THE    MEMOIRS    OF   RUFUS    PUTNAM 


THE    MEMOIRS    OF 
RUFUS    PUTNAM 

AND 

CERTAIN    OFFICIAL    PAPERS 
AND    CORRESPONDENCE 

PUBLISHED   BY  THE 

NATIONAL   SOCIETY  OF  THE   COLONIAL  DAMES 

OF  AMERICA  IN  THE   STATE  OF  OHIO 

compiled  and  annotated  by 
Miss  ROWENA  BUELL,  Marietta,  Ohio 

COLONIAL   DAME   OF   MASSACHUSETTS  AND    MEMBER 
OF   THE   OHIO    SOCIETY 


BOSTON   AND   NEW  YORK 

HOUGHTON,  MIFFLIN   AND   COMPANY 

(S()e  iMttx^ibt  ptt0y  <CambcJbge 

1903 


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COPYRIGHT    1903   BY   THE   NATIONAL   SOCIETY  OF  THE   COLONIAL   DAMES 

OF   AMERICA   IN    THE   STATE    OF   OHIO 

ALL   RIGHTS   RESERVED 


Published  December  igoj 


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1760  Commissioned  Ensign,  Massachusetts 

1773  Commissioned  Deputy  Surveyor,  West  Florida 

1774  Commissioned  Captain  Lieutenant  of  Grenadiers,  Massa- 

chusetts 

1775  Commissioned  Lieutenant  Colonel  of  the  9th  Regiment 

in  the  Army  of  the  United  Colonies 

1776  Appointed  Military  Engineer 

1776  Commissioned  Colonel  of  the  5th  Massachusetts  Regi- 
ment in  the  Army  of  the  United  States 

1783  Commissioned  Brigadier  General  in  the  Army  of  the 
United  States 

1785  Appointed  Superintendent  of  the  Survey  of  Eastern 
Lands,  Massachusetts 

1785  Appointed  Member  of  the  Committee  for  the  Sale  of 
Eastern  Lands,  Massachusetts 

1785  Appointed  Surveyor  of  Western  Lands  under  the  Ordi- 

nance of  1785 

1786  Appointed   Commissioner   to  the  Penobscot  Indians, 

Massachusetts 

1787  Appointed  Justice  of  the  Peace,  Massachusetts 

1787  Elected  Member  of  the  General  Assembly  of  Massachu- 
setts 

1787  Appointed  Superintendent  of  the  Affairs  of  the  Ohio 

Company 

1788  Commissioned  Justice  of  the  Peace  and  of  the  Quorum, 

Washington  County,  Northwest  Territory 

1788  Commissioned  Judge  of  Probate,  Washington  County, 
Northwest  Territory 

1790  Commissioned  Judge  of  the  General  Court  of  the  North- 
west Territory 

1792  Commissioned  Brigadier  General  in  the  Army  of  the 
United  States 

1796  Commissioned  Surveyor  General  of  the  United  States 

1801  Appointed  Trustee  of  Ohio  University 

1802  Elected  Member  of  the  First  Ohio  Constitutional  Con- 

vention 


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PREFATORY    NOTE 

General  Rufus  Putnam  was  a  man  to  delight  the 
soul  of  a  historian.  He  not  only  made  history,  he 
also  recorded  it.  With  painstaking  care  he  pre- 
served all  his  voluminous  correspondence,  including 
copies  of  his  own  letters,  for  most  of  his  life  kept  a 
journal,  made  extensive  memoranda  of  various  sorts, 
and  punctiliously  filed  all  his  papers,  adding  explan- 
atory endorsements.  His  prominent  position,  as  a 
trusted  officer  in  the  Revolutionary  army  and  leader 
of  the  Marietta  pioneers,  brought  him  into  contact 
with  most  of  the  noted  men  of  our  Republic  in  its 
early  days,  and  gdves  to  his  papers  exceptional  value. 
This  large  mass  of  most  interesting  manuscript  ma- 
terial was  bequeathed  to  Marietta  College  by  Gen- 
eral Putnam's  grandson,  William  Rufus  Putnam,  and 
is  now  in  possession  of  the  College.  Besides  the 
Memoirs  and  letters  printed  in  the  present  volume, 
this  collection  contains  the  original  records  and  sur- 
veys of  the  Ohio  Company  of  Associates,  the  early 
court  records  of  Washington  County,  and  a  large 
mass  of  additional  correspondence.  A  further  collec- 
tion of  manuscripts  bequeathed  to  Marietta  College 
by  Dr.  Samuel  P.  Hildreth  includes  much  material 
connected  with  the  early  history  of  this  section. 

The  present  publication  is  made  possible  through 
the  active  interest  and  generosity  of  the  National 
Society  of  the  Colonial  Dames  of  America  in  the 
State   of   Ohio.     A  few  years  ago  the  Trustees  of 


viii  PREFATORY   NOTE 

Marietta  College  granted  to  Mrs.  Willis  E.  Hall  (Ina 
Buckingham  Fenner),  a  lineal  descendant  of  General 
Rufus  Putnam,  the  privilege  of  publishing  these 
papers.  Feeling  that  wider  circulation  would  thus 
be  given  to  papers  of  so  great  historical  value,  she 
transferred  her  right  to  the  Society  of  Colonial 
Dames,  of  which  she  was  an  active  member.  The 
Publication  Committee  of  this  Society  were  most  for- 
tunate in  securing  as  editor  Miss  Rowena  Buell, 
of  Marietta,  whose  care  and  good  judgment  are  evi- 
dent on  every  page. 

The  purpose  governing  in  the  selection  of  papers 
for  publication  has  been  to  portray  General  Putnam 
chiefly  in  his  official  character,  and  to  print  only 
those  letters  referred  to  in  the  Memoirs  or  closely 
germane  to  their  subject-matter.  In  carrying  out  this 
purpose  it  has  seemed  desirable  to  print  again  some 
letters  already  published  in  "  The  Life,  Journals,  and 
Correspondence  of  Manasseh  Cutler."  A  very  few 
letters  referred  to  in  the  Memoirs  have  not  been 
found. 

The  effort  has  been  made  to  reproduce  with  minute 
accuracy  these  selected  papers,  many  of  which  are 
entirely  in  General  Putnam's  own  handwriting,  and  no 
one  of  which  is  without  at  least  endorsement  in  his 
script.  The  editor  has  added  some  explanatory  notes 
where  it  seemed  necessary,  denoting  them  by  numer- 
als to  distinguish  them  from  General  Putnam's  own 
notes,  which  are  marked  by  asterisks. 

It  is  hoped  that  this  publication  will  awaken  new 
interest  in  the  early  history  of  the  West,  as  well  as 
serve  to  call  attention  to  a  really  notable  figure  of 


PREFATORY   NOTE  ix 

Revolutionary  days,  the  trusted  counsellor  of  Wash- 
ington, the  brave  leader  of  brave  men,  and  the 
founder  of  the  first  permanent  settlement  in  the 
Northwest  Territory. 

Alfred  Tyler  Perry, 
President  of  Marietta  College. 


CONTENTS 

Page 

INTRODUCTION  BY  HON.  GEORGE  F.  HOAR  .  xxxi 

THE  MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM 

Genealogical  Lists 3 

Boyhood,  1738-1757 9 

Colonial  Wars,  i 757-1 760 11 

Family  Affairs 35 

Mississippi  Explorations 36 

The  Revolutionary  War 54 

Survey  of  Eastern  Lands 100 

»^^Formation  of  the  Ohio  Company 102 

••^The  First   Settlements  in  the  Northwest  Ter- 
ritory    104 

The  Indian  War 112 

^^Ohio  Company  Affairs 115 

Mission  to  the  Hostile  Indians 118 

Official  Life 124 

OFFICIAL  PAPERS   AND   CORRESPONDENCE 
General  Washington  to  Rufus  Putnam,  March  31, 

1776 129 

Construction  of  fortifications  at  Providence. 
Rufus  Putnam  to  General  Washington,  Novem- 
ber, 1776 129 

Report  of  a  tour  in  the  Highlands. 
General  Washington  to  Rufus  Putnam,  April  ii, 

1778 130 

Relative   rank  in  the  Massachusetts  and  Conti- 
nental lines. 
Rufus  Putnam  to  General  Washington,  August 

30,  177S 131 

Protest  concerning  rank. 
General  Alexander   McDougall  to  Rufus  Put- 
nam, February  27,  1779 134 

Orders  misunderstood. 


xii  CONTENTS 

RuFus   Putnam   to  General  McDougall,  Febru- 
ary 28,  1779 135 

Explanation  of  failure  to  carry  out  orders. 
RuFus  Putnam  to  General  Washington,  July  13, 

1779 137 

Report  of  observations  at  Verplanck's  Point. 

RuFus  Putnam  to  General  Washington,  August  8, 

1779 140 

Works  at  Fort  Montgomery. 
General  Wayne  to  Rufus  Putnam,  November  15, 

1779 141 

Movements  in  New  Jersey. 

General  Wayne  to  Rufus  Putnam,  December  ii, 

1779 141 

Orders  to  reconnoiter. 

Rufus   Putnam   to   the   Hon.   Jeremiah   Powell, 

April  22,  1780 142 

The  recruiting  service.  —  Deduction  of  bounties. 

Colonel    Joseph    Thompson    to    Rufus    Putnam, 

May  I,  1780 146 

Acknowledgment  of  supplies  for  imprisoned  of- 
ficers. 

General  Robert  Howe  to  Rufus  Putnam,  May  24, 
1780 147 

Reinforcements.  —  Supplies. 

Rufus  Putnam  to  General  Robert  Howe,  May  24, 
1780 148 

Position  to  oppose  the  enemy's  advance. 
General  Heath  to  Rufus  Putnam,  May  25,  1780  149 

Request  for  promotions  barred. 

General  Robert  Howe  to  Rufus  Putnam,  May  25, 
1780 149 

Arrangements  to  entrap  the  enemy. 

Rufus  Putnam  to  General  Robert  Howe,  May  25, 

1780 150 

Movements  of  the  enemy.  —  Provisions  needed. 


CONTENTS  xiii 

General  Robert  Howe  to  Rufus  Putnam,  May  26, 

1780 151 

Request  for  the  return  of  a  detachment. 
General  Robert  Howe  to  Rufus  Putnam,  May  28, 

1780 152 

Request  for  news  of  the  enemy. 
Rufus  Putnam  to  General  Robert  Howe,  May  28, 

1780 152 

Movements  of  the  enemy. 
Rufus  Putnam  to  General  Robert  Howe,  June  i, 

1780 153 

Plan  to  ambush.  —  Movements  of  detachments. 
General  Robert  Howe  to  Rufus  Putnam,  June  3, 

1780 155 

Fear  of  investiture.  —  Collection  of  cattle. 
General  Robert  Howe  to  Rufus  Putnam,  June  4, 

1780 156 

Advance  of  the  enemy  improbable.  —  Continua- 
tion of  command  upon  the  lines. 
Rufus  Putnam  to  General  Robert  Howe,  June  4, 

1780 157 

Arrangements  for  the  collection  of  cattle. 

General  Robert  Howe  to  Rufus  Putnam,  June  5, 

1780 157 

Continuation  of  command  upon  the  lines. 
General  Robert  Howe  to  Rufus  Putnam,  June  6, 

1780 158 

Probable  advance  of  the  enemy  in  force. 
Rufus  Putnam  to  General  Robert  Howe,  June  8, 

1780 159 

Report  concerning  a  British  deserter. 
Rufus  Putnam  to  General  Robert  Howe,  June  9, 

1780 160 

Report  concerning  a  British  deserter. 
Rufus  Putnam  to  General  Robert  Howe,  June  ii, 

1780 160 

Report  concerning  a  British  deserter. 


xiv  CONTENTS 

RuFus  Putnam  to  General  Robert  Howe,  June  ii, 

1780 161 

Rumor  of  British  defeat  in  New  Jersey.  —  Pro- 
posal of  an  advance. 
General  Robert  Howe  to  Rufus  Putnam,  June  12, 

1780 162 

Request  for  a  personal  interview. 
General  Robert  Howe  to  Rufus  Putnam,  June  12, 

1780 163 

Orders  to  retire  to  the  vicinity  of  West  Point. 
Winthrop   Sargent  to   Rufus  Putnam,  June  16, 

1780 163 

General  Howe's  orders  to  return  to  former  can- 
tonment. 

Rufus  Putnam  to  General  Robert  Howe,  June  16, 

1780 163 

Acknowledgment  of  the  preceding. 
General  Robert  Howe  to  Rufus  Putnam,  June  18, 

1780 164 

Arrangements  to  gain  intelligence  of  the  enemy. 
General  Robert  Howe  to  Rufus  Putnam,  June  24, 

1780 165 

Advance  of  the  enemy  in  force. 

General  Robert  Howe  to  Rufus  Putnam,  July  i, 

1780 165 

Request  for  exact  information. 
Rufus  Putnam  to  General  Robert  Howe,  July  i, 

1780 166 

Position  of  the  enemy. 
Rufus  Putnam  to  General  Robert  Howe,  July  5, 

1780 167 

Report  concerning  two  British  deserters.  —  Posi- 
tion and  strength  of  the  enemy. 

General  Robert  Howe  to  Rufus  Putnam,  July  7, 
1780 168 

Measures  to  prevent  depredations. 


CONTENTS  XV 

RuFUS  Putnam  to  General  Robert  Howe,  July  7, 
1780 169 

Report    of    arrival   at    Crompond.  —  A   British 
deserter. 
RuFus  Putnam  to  General  Robert  Howe,  July  9, 

17S0 170 

Strength  and  position  of  the  enemy.  —  Request 
for  clothing  for  detachment. 
General  Robert  Howe  to  Rufus  Putnam,  July  13, 

1780 171 

Request  for  intelligence  of  the  enemy. 
Rufus  Putnam  to  General  Robert  Howe,  July  14, 

1780 172 

Urgent  request  for  clothing.  —  Reduction  of  the 
line. 
General  Robert  Howe  to  Rufus  Putnam,  July  16, 

1780 173 

Pass  for  two  women  and  children. 
Rufus  Putnam  to  General  Robert  Howe,  July  21, 

1780 173 

Continued  lack  of  clothing.  —  Movements  of   a 
detachment  of  the  enemy. 
Rufus  Putnam  to  General  Robert  Howe,  July  22, 

1780 174 

Arrival   of    Admiral  Graves.  —  Decrease   in  the 
detachment. 
Rufus  Putnam  to  General  Robert  Howe,  July  23, 

1780 176 

Rumored  movements  of  the  enemy. 
General  Robert  Howe  to  Rufus  Putnam,  July  25, 

1780 176 

Reinforcement     ordered.  —  Probability     of     an 
attack. 
Rufus  Putnam  to  General  Robert  Howe,  July  25, 

1780 177 

Movements  and  position  of  the  enemy. 
General  McDougall's  Minutes  to  Committee  of 
Congress,  August,  1780 178 


xvi  CONTENTS 

Complaint  of  officers  concerning  pay,  pensions, 
and  rations. 
Colonel  John  Greaton  to  Rufus  Putnam,  Jan- 
uary 8,  1 781 182 

Appointment  by  the  ist  Massachusetts  Brigade 
to  settle  with  the  State  for  arrears. 
General  Heath  to  Rufus   Putnam,   August  22, 

1781 183 

Possibility  of  procuring  flour. 
General  Heath  to  Rufus    Putnam,   August  24, 

1781 183 

Supplies. — Endorsement  of  proposed  movements 
with  advance  guard. 
General   Heath  to  Rufus   Putnam,  August  27, 

1781 184 

Supplies.  —  Forage.  —  Chief  aim  to  gain  intelli- 
gence. 
General  Heath   to   Rufus   Putnam,   August  30, 

1781 186 

Protection     of    foragers.  —  Request   for   intelli- 
gence. 
General   Heath  to   Rufus   Putnam,   August  30, 

1781 187 

Supplies.  —  Restriction  of  the  enemy's  flags. 
General  Heath  to  Rufus  Putnam,  September  2, 

1781 188 

Interception  of  despatches  from  Canada. 
General  Heath  to  Rufus  Putnam,  September  7, 

1781 188 

Protection  of  foragers.  —  Arrival  of  French  fleet 
in  Chesapeake  Bay. 
General  Heath  to  Rufus  Putnam,  September  8, 

1781 189 

Reinforcement  promised. 

General  Heath  to  Rufus  Putnam,  September  10, 

1781 189 

Precautionary  measures. 


CONTENTS  xvii 

General  Heath  to  Rufus  Putnam,  September  lo, 

1781 190 

Clinton  in  a  trap.  —  Enemy  embarking.  —  Orders 
to  recall  a  detachment. 

General  Heath  TO  Rufus  Putnam,  September  ii, 

1781 192 

Supplies  promised.  —  Removal  of  the  army  to 
Bald  Hill.  —  Establishment  of  a  line  of  communi- 
cation from  the  Sound. 

General  Heath  to  Rufus  Putnam,  September  ii, 

1781 193 

Probable  movements  of  the  enemy.  —  Continued 
depredations. 
General  Heath  to  Rufus  Putnam,  September  12, 

1781 195 

A   reinforcement  of  three  companies.  —  Return 
of  detachment. 
General  Heath  to  Rufus  Putnam,  September  15, 

1781 195 

Detachment  to  be  retained. 
General  Heath  to  Rufus  Putnam,  September  17, 

1781 196 

The  2nd  Massachusetts  Brigade  to  garrison  West 
Point. 
General  Heath  to  Rufus  Putnam,  September  17, 

1781 196 

Colonel   Weissenfel's    regiment   ordered    to   Al- 
bany. 
General  Heath  to  Rufus  Putnam,  September  22, 

1781 197 

Request  for  intelligence. 
General  Heath  to  Rufus  Putnam,  September  22, 

1781 197 

Protection  of  foragers. 

Thoughts  on  a  Peace  Establishment  for  the 
United  States,  1783.  (Requested  by  General 
Washington.) 198 


xviii  CONTENTS 

Location  of  forts.  —  Organization  of  regular  army 
and  of  state  militia. 
Petition  of  Army  Officers  for  the  Ohio  Coun- 
try, May  7,  1783 215 

RuFus  Putnam  to  General  Washington,  June  16, 

1783 216 

Concerning  the  petition  for  the  Ohio  country, 
RuFus  Putnam  to  General  Washington,  April  5, 

1784 223 

The  proposed  settlement  of  the  Ohio  country*  — 
Request  for  information  of  congressional  action. 
General  Washington  to  Rufus  Putnam,  June  2, 

1784 226 

Failure  of  Congress  to  act  upon  petition  for  the 
Ohio  country.  —  Attempt  to  lease  personal  holdings 
on  the  Ohio. 
General  Washington's  Advertisement  for  Leas- 
ing Land,  April  2,  1784 228 

Enclosure  in  the  preceding. 
Charles  Thomson   to    Rufus    Putnam,   May   28, 

1785 232 

Elected  by  Congress  to  survey  western  lands. 
Rufus  Putnam  to  President  Washington,  July  24, 

1790 232 

Western  affairs.  —  Indian  depredations. 
Rufus  Putnam  to  the  Hon.  Fisher  Ames,  1790    .234 
Argument  for  the  retention  of  western  territory  by 
the  United  States. 

Rufus  Putnam  to (not  addressed),  January  6, 

1791 247 

Outbreak  of  Indian  hostilities. 
The  Secretary  of  War,  Henry  Knox,  to  Rufus 

Putnam,  January  27,  1791 249 

Hope  of  government  action  against  the  Indians. 
The  Hon.  Fisher  Ames  to  Rufus  Putnam,  Febru- 
ary 22,  1791 250 

Attitude  of  Congress  toward  the  western  territory. 


CONTENTS  xix 

RuFus  Putnam  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  March 

8,  1791 251 

Continued  Indian  depredations.  —  Rumor  of  gen- 
eral uprising. 
RuFus  Putnam  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  March 

14,  1791 253 

Indian  depredations.  —  Urgent   appeal   for  gov- 
ernment aid. 
The  Secretary  of  War  to  Rufus  Putnam,  March 

24,  1791 254 

Arrangements  made  for  an  extensive  campaign. 
The  Secretary  of  War  to  Rufus  Putnam,  April 

h  1791 25s 

The  militia  to  be  called  out. 
Rufus   Putnam  to   the   Secretary  of  War,   Au- 
gust 22,  1791 256 

Small  losses  from  recent  Indian  hostilities. 
The  Secretary  of  War  to  Rufus  Putnam,   May 

5.  1792 257 

Appointed  brigadier-general. 
The  Secretary  of  War  to  Rufus  Putnam,   May 

22,  1792 257 

Instructions  for  mission  to  the'  hostile  Indians. 
Rufus  Putnam  to  the   Secretary  of  War,   June 

5>  1792 267 

Speech  to  the  Indians  sent  from  Pittsburg.  —  Pro- 
priety of  restraining  the  militia  from  offensive  oper- 
ations. 
Speech  of  Rufus  Putnam  to  the  Hostile  Indians, 

June  5,  1792 269 

Invitation  to  a  peace  conference.  —  Request  for 
an  open  road  to  Fort  Jefferson. 
Rufus  Putnam  to  General  Wayne,  June  23,  1792  271 
The   exposed  situation  of  the  Ohio  Company's 
settlements. 
Rufus   Putnam   to  General  Wilkinson,   July  3, 
1792 272 


XX  CONTENTS 

The  mission  to  the  Indians.  —  Preliminary  mea- 
sures. 
RuFUS  Putnam  to  the   Secretary  of   War,  July 

5.  1792 273 

Indian    attack   near   Fort   Jefferson.  —  Probable 
death   of    Hardin   and   Trueman. —  Prospect   of  a 
treaty  at  Fort  Knox. 
General  Wilkinson   to   Rufus  Putnam,   July   5, 

1792 278 

The   outbreak   of   Fort   Jefferson.  —  Fort   Knox 
favorable  for  negotiations. 
Rufus  Putnam  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  July  8, 

1792 280 

Reasons  for  treating  with  Wabash  Indians  at  Fort 

Knox.  —  Necessity  of  establishing  posts  from   the 

upper  Ohio  to  the  mouth  of  the  Cuyahoga.  —  Plan 

for  an  immediate  campaign. 

Rufus  Putnam  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  July  9, 

1792 290 

Propriety   of   establishing   a   post   on    the  Mus- 
kingum. 
Rufus  Putnam  to  General  Wayne,  July  10,  1792  291 
The  Fort  Jefferson  outbreak.  —  Reported  murder 
of  Hardin  and  Trueman. 
Rufus  Putnam  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  July  ii, 

1792 292 

Espousal  of  plan  to  establish  posts  on  Lake  Erie. 
Rufus  Putnam  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  July  14, 

1792 295 

Additional     evidence    of     Trueman's    death. — 
William  Wells  engaged  as  interpreter. 
Speech  of  a  Wea  Indian  to  Rufus  Putnam,  July  19, 

1792 297 

Request  that  Indian  prisoners  be  taken  to  Fort 
Knox. 

Speech  of  Rufus  Putnam  to  a  Wea  Indian,  July  20, 

1792 298 

Promise  to  take  Indian  prisoners  to  Fort  Knox. 


CONTENTS  xxi 

RuFus  Putnam  to  General  Wilkinson,  July  21, 

1792 299 

Treaty  to  be  attempted  at  Fort  Knox.  —  Request 
for  an  escort. 
General  Wilkinson  to  Rufus  Putnam,  July  21, 

1792 300 

Request  for  estimates  for  expedition    to    Fort 
Knox. 
Rufus  Putnam  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  July  22, 

1792 301 

Decision   to  attempt  a  treaty  at   Fort  Knox. — 
Plan  of  expedition. 
Rufus  Putnam  to  General  Wilkinson,   July  23, 

1792 304 

Specifications  for  escort  and  provisions. 
Rufus  Putnam  to  Major  Hamtramck,  July  24, 1792  305 
Enclosed  speech  to  be  sent  to  the  Wabash  In- 
dians. —  Request  for  an  escort. 
Speech  of  Rufus  Putnam  to  the  Wabash  Indians, 

July  24,  1792 307 

Invitation  to  a  conference  at  Fort  Knox. 
Rufus  Putnam  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  July  26, 

1792 308 

Favorable  prospect  for  consummating  a  treaty. 
The    Secretary  of  the   Northwest    Territory, 
Winthrop    Sargent,    to    Judges    Putnam    and 
Symmes,  August  5,  1792 309 

Espionage  of  strangers.  —  Courts-martial.  —  Dep- 
redations of  alien  hunters. —  Regulation  of  ferries.  — 
Restriction  of  attorneys.  —  Prevention  of  nuisances.. 

General  Wayne  to  Rufus  Putnam,  August  6,  1792  311 
Details  of  the  murder  of  Trueman  and  Hardin. 

The     Secretary    of     War    to     Rufus     Putnam, 
August  7,  1792 313 

Endorsement  of  plan  to  attempt  a  treaty  at  Fort 
Knox.  —  Disapproval  of  establishing  a  post  at 
Cuyahoga.  —  General  Chapin's  letter  enclosed. 


xxii  CONTENTS 

General  Israel  Chapin  to  the  Secretary  of  War, 

July  17,  1792 316 

Favorable  prospect  of  peace  with  the  Six  Nations. 
Major  Hamtramck  to  Rufus  Putnam,  August  9 

1792 320 

Arrangements  for  the  expedition  to  Fort  Knox. 
—  Delivery  of  speeches. 
Rufus     Putnam     to    the     Secretary    of     War, 

August  16,  1792 321 

Arrangements  for  the  treaty. 
Rufus  Putnam  to  General  Wilkinson,  August  17, 

1792 324 

Despatches  to  be  forwarded. 
Rufus     Putnam     to     the     Secretary     of    War, 

August  21,  1792 325 

Meditated  attack  of  frontiersmen  upon  Indians. 
General  Wilkinson  to  Rufus  Putnam,  August  28, 

1792 326 

Immediate  return  of  escort  necessary. 
Major  Hamtramck  to  Rufus  Putnam,  August  31, 

1792 327 

Arrangements  for  ascent  of  the  Wabash. 

General  Wilkinson  to   Rufus   Putnam,    Septem- 
ber 8,  1792 328 

St.  Clair's  disastrous  march  retraced.  —  General 
Wayne's  letter  enclosed. 
General  Wayne  to  General  Wilkinson,  August  5, 

1792 330 

The   murder   of  Hardin  and  Trueman.  —  Rein- 
forcements. 
Speech  of  Rufus  Putnam  to  the  Eel  River  and 

Wea  Indians,  September  13,  1792 333 

The  restoration  of  Indian  prisoners. 
Address   of    Rufus    Putnam   to    the   People  of 

ViNCENNES,  September  16,   1792 334 

Prohibition  of  the  sale  of  liquor  to  the  Indians. 
Journal    of   the    Peace   Council   at   Vincennes, 
September  24-27,  1792 335 


CONTENTS  xxiii 

List  of   Wampum    Belts    presented   during    the 

Council 363 

Treaty    between  the    United    States   and    the 

Wabash  and  Illinois  Indians,  September  27,  1792  363 
Speech  of  Rufus  Putnam  to  the  Wabash  and  Illi- 
nois Indians,  September  29,  1792 366 

Invitation  to  chiefs  to  go  to  Philadelphia. 
Speech  of  Rufus  Putnam  to  the  Hostile  Indians, 

October  6,  1792 •    .     .     .  368 

Invitation  to  a  peace  conference  at  the  mouth  of 
the  Muskingum. 
Rufus  Putnam  to  William  Wells,  October  7,  1792  370 
Instructions  for  carrying  a  speech  to  the  hostile 
Indians. 
Rufus   Putnam    to    General  Wilkinson,    Novem- 
ber 28,  1792 370 

The  distribution  of  Indian  goods. 
Rufus  Putnam  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  Decem- 
ber 20,  1792 371 

Report  concerning  the  treaty. 
Rufus  Putnam  to  General  Wayne,  December  21, 

1792 375 

Speech  sent  to  the  hostile  Indians. 
Rufus  Putnam  to  General  Wayne,  January  21, 

1793 375 

Failure  of  hostile  Indians  to  reply  to  speech. 
The   Secretary  of  War  to   Rufus   Putnam,  Feb- 
ruary II,  1793 377 

Request  for  information   concerning   the   fourth 
article  of  the  treaty. 
Rufus  Putnam  to   the   Secretary  of   War,  Feb- 
ruary II,  1793 378 

Interpretation  of  the  fourth  article  of  the  treaty. 
Rufus   Putnam  to   the   Secretary  of  War,  Feb- 
ruary 13,  1793 378 

Indian  sales  of  land. 


xxiv  CONTENTS 

RuFus   Putnam  to  the    Secretary  of  War,  Feb- 
ruary 14,  1793 379 

Report  concerning  the  return  of  Indian  prisoners 
and  the  distribution  of  clothing. 

RuFus   Putnam's  Account  with  the  Indian  De- 
partment       382 

RuFus   Putnam  to  the   Secretary  of  War,  Feb- 
ruary 14,  1793 384 

Resignation  as  brigadier-general. 

RuFUS  Putnam  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  April, 

1793 384 

The  defensive  works  at  Gallipolis. 

The  Postmaster-General,  Timothy  Pickering,  to 

RuFUS  Putnam,  May  24,  1794 386 

The  Ohio  River  mail.  —  Designation  of  postmas- 
ters. 

The  Postmaster-General  to  Rufus  Putnam,  June  7, 

1794 387 

Engagement  of  boat's  crew. 
Rufus  Putnam  to  the  Postmaster-General,  June 

9»  1794 388 

Desirability  of  a  post  at  the  mouth  of  the  Scioto. 
The  Postmaster-General  to  Rufus  Putnam,  June 

20,  1794 390 

Arrangements  for  the  mail  service. 
The  Postmaster-General  to  Rufus  Putnam,  Au- 
gust 8,  1794 -391 

Request  for  opinions  concerning  the  mail  service. 
Rufus  Putnam  to  the  Postmaster-General,  August 

30,  1794 392 

Modification  of  mail  service. 
The  Secretary  of  War,   Timothy  Pickering,   to 

Rufus  Putnam,  January  16,  1795 395 

Request  for  supervision  of  mail  service. 

Rufus  Putnam  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  Febru- 
ary 9,  1795 397 

Acceptance  of  mail  supervision. 


CONTENTS  XXV 

RuFus  Putnam  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  Febru- 
ary 20,  1795 398 

Details  of  reorganized  mail  service.  —  Plan  en- 
closed. 

RuFus  Putnam's  Plan  for  the  Carriage  of  the 
Ohio  River  Mail,  February  17,  1795 402 

The  Secretary  of  War  to  Rufus  Putnam,  March 

25»  1795 404 

Acknowledgment  of  reorganization  of  mail  service. 

The  Secretary  of  War  to  Rufus  Putnam,  March 

25»  179s 405 

Request  for  advice  concerning  militia.  —  Letter  to 
Colonel  Sproat  enclosed. 
The  Secretary  of  War  to  Colonel  Sproat,  March 

25>  1795 406 

Militia  matters.  —  General  Putnam  to  be  asked 
for  advice. 
Rufus  Putnam  to  Colonel  Sproat,  April  15,  1795    407 

Scouts  to  be  substituted  for  stationary  guards. 
Rufus  Putnam  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury, 

Oliver  WoLCOTT,  May  12,  1796 409 

Assignment  of  lands  to  the  French  at  Gallipolis. 
The  Secretary  of  State,  Timothy  Pickering,   to 

Rufus  Putnam,  September  30,  1796 411 

Request  for  advice  concerning  judicial  candidates. 
The  Secretary  of  State  to  Rufus  Putnam,  October 

I,  1796 412 

Appointed  surveyor-general. 
Rufus  Putnam  to  the  Secretary  of  State,  October 

15'  1796 412 

Acceptance  of  appointment  as  surveyor-general. 
The   Postmaster-General,  Joseph  Habersham,  to 

Rufus  Putnam,  December  16,  1796 413 

The  Ohio  River  mail. 
Rufus  Putnam  to  the  Postmaster-General,  Janu- 
ary 25,  1797 415 

Suggestions  concerning  the  western  mail  service. 


xxvi  CONTENTS 

The  Secretary  of  State  to  Rufus  Putnam,  March 

17.  1797 417 

Request    for   information    concerning   the    Ohio 
River  mail. 
The    Secretary    of    State    to     Rufus    Putnam, 

March  17,  1797 418 

The  survey  of  lands  for  the  Christian  Indians. 
Rufus  Putnam  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury, 

December  2,  1797 419 

The  survey  of  lands  for  Ebenezer  Zane. 
Rufus  Putnam  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury, 

January  18,  1798 420 

The  provision  of  a  clerk  and  stationery. 
Rufus  Putnam  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury,  . 

March  9,  1798 423 

Plans  for  surveys  for  the  current  year. 
The  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  to  Rufus  Putnam, 

June  i,  1798 425 

The  allowance  of  a  clerk. 
The     Secretary    of    State    to    Rufus    Putnam, 

August  2,  1798 426 

The  distribution  of  government  pamphlets. 
The  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  to  Rufus  Putnam, 

September  24,  1798 428 

Intrusive  settlements  on  government  land. 
Rufus  Putnam  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury, 

October  30,  1798 429 

Facts  concerning  unlawful  settlements. 
Rufus  Putnam  to  the  Postmaster-General,  Feb- 
ruary 26,  1800 430 

Roads  in  the  Northwest  Territory. 
The  Secretary  of  the  Treasury,  Albert  Gallatin, 

TO  Rufus  Putnam,  June  26,  1802 431 

Plan  for  opening  roads  in  the    Northwest  Ter- 
ritory. 
The  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  to  Rufus  Putnam, 

August  9,  1802 433 

The  nomination  of  a  register. 


CONTENTS  xxvii 

RuFUS  Putnam  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury, 

August  i8,  1802 433 

Roads  and  courses  for  roads  in  the  Northwest 
Territory. 
The  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  to  Rufus  Putnam, 

October  6,  1802 436 

The  appointment  of  a  register. 
Rufus  Putnam  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury, 

March  28,  1802 437 

The  road  from  Marietta  to  St.  Clairsville. 
The  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  to  Rufus  Putnam, 

April  16,  1803 438 

Contract  for  opening  the  St.  Clairsville  road. 
The  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  to  Rufus  Putnam, 

September  21,  1803 439 

Arrangements    for    transfer   of   office    to    Jared 
Mansfield. 
Rufus  Putnam  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury, 

February  18,  1804 440 

The  transmission  of  final  accounts. 
The  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  to  Rufus  Putnam, 

April  25,  1804 443 

The  settlement  of  final  accounts. 

INDEX 445 


ILLUSTRATIONS 

PAGE 

RuFUS  Putnam Frontispiece 

Silhouette  from  the  original  in  the  possession  of 

the  late  Catharinus  P.  Buckingham. 

Autograph  and  seal  from  a  letter  in  the  Library 

of  Marietta  College. 

Coat  of  arms  from  the  original  drawing  in  the 

Library  of  Marietta  College. 

Plan  of  New  Orleans,  1773 38 

From  the  original  drawing  by  Rufus  Putnam  in 
the  Library  of  Marietta  College. 

Plan  of  Mississippi  Lands,  1773 51 

From  the  original  drawing  (7f  x  5f  inches)  by 
Rufus  Putnam  in  the  Library  of  Marietta  College. 

Map  of  the  Lower  Mississippi,  1773 90 

From  the  original  drawing  by  Rufus  Putnam  in 
the  Library  of  Marietta  College. 

Key  to  Rufus  Putnam's  Map  of  the  Lower  Mis- 
sissippi      92 

Position  of  the  British  at  Phillips,  July,  1780  .  166 
From  the  original  drawing  by  Rufus  Putnam  in 
the  Library  of  Marietta  College. 

Plan  of  the  Ancient  Earthworks  on  the   Site 

OF  Marietta,  Ohio,  1788 216 

From  the  original  drawing  (12^  x  16  inches)  by 
Rufus  Putnam  in  the  Library  of  Marietta  College. 

The  Ohio  Company's  Fort  at  Marietta,  1788  .     .  270 
From   an   old  print  in   the  Library  of  Marietta 
College. 

The  Ohio  Company's  Land  Office  at  Marietta  .  320 
Purchased  and  restored  by  the  National  Society 
of  the  Colonial  Dames  of  America  in  the  State  of 
Ohio. 


ILLUSTRATIONS  xxix 

Plan  of  the  River  Wabash  —  from  the  Mouth  to 
Post  Vincent.     Taken  September,  1792      .     .       366 

From  the  original  drawing  (14^  x  6  inches)  by 
Rufus  Putnam  in  the  Library  of  Marietta  College. 

Interior  of  the  Ohio  Company's  Land  Office  at 
Marietta 404 


INTRODUCTION 

BY  HON.  GEORGE   F.  HOAR 

The  work  of  most  of  the  great  men  of  the  world 
would  not  have  been  missed,  if  they  had  not  lived. 
Their  places  would  have  been  filled  by  others.  The 
currents  of  history  would  not  have  been  changed  by 
their  absence.  They  are  like  ranges  of  mountains. 
If  one  peak  be  removed,  another  beyond  comes  into 
view,  and  the  effect  in  the  landscape  is  about  the 
same. 

But  there  are  a  few  men  to  whom  it  has  been  given 
to  stand  at  the  parting  of  the  ways,  or  the  parting 
.  of  the  waters,  to  turn  the  currents  of  human  history 
and  to  determine  the  destiny  of  States  and  Nations. 
They  have  not  done  merely  a  work  that  somebody 
else  would  have  accomplished  but  for  them.  The 
work  was  their  own,  and  would  not  have  been  done 
without  them.  Beyond  a  question  one  of  these  was 
Rufus  Putnam,  whose  simple,  modest  story  is  now 
given  to  the  world  for  the  first  time.  He  died  with- 
out knowing  its  sublimity,  or  foreseeing  its  result. 

But  his  title  to  be  enrolled  in  that  small  but  honor- 
able list  rests  upon  impregnable  foundations. 

April  7,  1783,  Timothy  Pickering  writes  to  Hodg- 
don  that  "  there  is  a  plan  for  the  forming  of  a  new 
State  Westward  of  the  Ohio.  Some  of  the  principal 
officers  of  the  A /my  are  heartily  engaged  in  it.  The 
propositions  respecting  it  are  in  the  hands  of  General 


xxxii  INTRODUCTION 

Huntington  and  General  Putnam,  the  total  exclusion 
of  slavery  from  the  State  to  form  an  essential  and 
irrevocable  part  of  the  Constitution." 

Neither  Huntington  nor  Pickering  is  heard  of  again 
in  the  matter.  But  Rufus  Putnam  pressed  it  upon 
General  Washington  in  repeated  letters  which  Gen- 
eral Washington  answered,  affirming  his  own  earnest 
interest  in  the  scheme,  and  saying  that  he  had  urged 
it  upon  Congress,  but  had  been  unable  to  create  any 
interest  in  the  matter.  Meantime  there  were  other 
plans  before  Congress  for  settling  the  Ohio  Territory, 
especially  one  of  Mr.  Jefferson's.  But  none  of  them 
contemplated  the  exclusion  of  slavery  until  after  the 
year  1800.  Even  with  that  limitation,  as  the  subse- 
quent attempts  to  establish  slavery  there  showed,  Jef- 
ferson's scheme  would  have  been  utterly  futile  to  ex- 
clude it.  The  measure  failed  in  Congress,  and  was 
dead  until  in  the  year  1787  Rufus  Putnam  issued  from 
his  house  in  Rutland  a  call  for  a  Convention  of  repre- 
sentative soldiers  from  the  different  counties  of  Massa- 
chusetts, to  meet  at  the  Bunch  of  Grapes  Tavern  in 
Boston,  to  take  steps  for  forming  the  Ohio  Company, 
and  settling  the  Territory  by  a  body  of  veteran 
soldiers.  The  Company  so  formed  elected  him  its 
Superintendent. 

Thereafter  General  Putnam  sent  General  S.  H. 
Parsons  to  Philadelphia  to  negotiate  for  the  purchase 
of  lands  for  the  new  State.  General  Parsons  came 
back,  having  utterly  failed  to  accomplish  anything. 
Thereupon  General  Putnam  sent  Manasseh  Cutler, 
an  eminent  clergyman  and  man  of  s.^ience,  afterward 
member  of  Congress  from  Massachusetts.    Cutler  had 


INTRODUCTION  xxxiii 

met  Putnam  in  Boston,  and  agreed  with  him  upon 
the  conditions  to  be  required.  He  returned  to  Massa- 
chusetts crowned  with  complete  success. 

The  proposals  were  so  advantageous  that  it  was 
impossible  for  Congress  to  reject  them.  They  in- 
cluded the  payment  of  a  large  sum  of  money  into 
the  empty  treasury  of  the  Confederation,  full  satis- 
faction of  the  claims  of  a  large  number  of  veteran 
soldiers,  securing  the  allegiance  of  the  Western 
Territory,  a  matter  about  which,  as  appears  by  Wash- 
ington's letters  and  his  Farewell  Address,  great  anxiety 
then  existed,  and  interposing  a  shield  of  disciplined 
soldiers  for  the  protection  of  western  New  York, 
Pennsylvania,  and  Virginia  against  the  most  power- 
ful and  warlike  Indian  tribes  on  the  continent,  and 
compelling,  what  then  seemed  very  doubtful,  the  per- 
formance by  Great  Britain  of  her  treaty  obligation 
to  evacuate  the  Northwest. 

The  Ordinance  of  1787,  which  had  been  brought 
to  life  from  the  tomb  to  which  it  had  been  consigTied 
in  the  preceding  Congress,  was  reported  by  Nathan 
Dane,  without  any  provision  for  excluding  slavery, 
because,  as  he  said,  he  did  not  believe  that  it  could 
possibly  be  adopted.  Thereupon  Cutler  announced 
that  he  should  take  his  departure.  But  he  was  urged 
to  remain,  and  assured  that  the  next  day  Congress 
would  come  to  his  terms.  The  next  day  Dane  moved 
on  the  floor  an  amendment,  now  in  existence  in  his 
own  handwriting,  containing  the  provision  for  the 
perpetual  and  irrevocable  exclusion  of  slavery.  That 
was  unanimously  adopted,  with  the  exception  of  one 
vote. 


xxxiv  INTRODUCTION 

Rufus  Putnam  himself  led  the  first  company  of  set- 
tlers to  Marietta,  arriving  there  on  the  7th  of  April, 
1788,  and  laid  the  foundation  of  what  are  now  six 
mighty  States.  The  Company  of  settlers  voted  that 
the  7th  day  of  April  in  every  year  should  be  forever 
celebrated  as  the  day  when  Rufus  Putnam  founded 
Ohio.  Harris,  the  early  historian,  dedicates  the  col- 
lection of  documents  relating  to  the  early  history  of 
the  Territory  **  To  Rufus  Putnam,  the  Founder  and 
Father  of  Ohio." 

Each  of  the  three  States,  Ohio,  Illinois,  and  Indiana, 
afterward  struggled  to  get  rid  of  the  prohibition  with- 
out effect.  This  makes  it  clear  that,  without  it,  the  set- 
tlers, who  were  largely  from  Virginia,  would  have 
introduced  slavery  there,  and  that  Jefferson's  inhibi- 
tion to  take  effect  after  1800  would  have  proved  feeble 
and  abortive. 

In  the  Ohio  State  Convention  of  1802,  when  the 
first  Constitution  was  adopted,  the  champions  of  slav- 
ery were  so  nearly  in  the  ascendant  that  Rufus  Put- 
nam, then  an  old  man,  called  up  Ephraim  Cutler,  son 
of  Manasseh,  from  his  sick-bed  late  at  night,  told  him 
that  there  was  danger  that  slavery  would  be  estab- 
lished by  the  Convention,  and  with  Cutler's  aid  suc- 
ceeded in  defeating  it  by  a  single  vote.  But  for  Rufus 
Putnam,  the  great  Northwest  Territory  would  to-day 
be  made  up  of  slave  States.  The  United  States  would 
have  been  a  great  slaveholding  empire,  and  if  the 
Civil  War  had  taken  place  at  all,  the  power  of  this 
mighty  group  of  commonwealths  would  have  turned 
the  scale  on  the  Southern  side. 

The  action  of  General  Putnam  was  equally  decisive 


INTRODUCTION  xxxv 

in  compelling  the  evacuation  of  Boston  by  the  British 
troops  when  Washington  was  meditating  an  attack, 
under  circumstances  which  but  for  Putnam's  fortunate 
inspiration  would  have  compelled  him  with  his  un- 
disciplined army,  ill-supplied  with  ammunition,  to 
make  an  attack  on  a  superior  force,  well  entrenched 
in  the  town,  supported  by  a  powerful  fleet,  or  to  have 
delayed  the  attack  until  the  arrival  of  reinforcements 
to  the  British,  which  would  have  enabled  them  to  put 
Washington  on  the  defensive  under  circumstances 
which  would  have  rendered  victory  to  the  patriotic 
cause  almost  hopeless.  That  story  is  told  in  the  fol- 
lowing pages.  But  for  the  providential  inspiration 
which  enabled  Rufus  Putnam  to  fortify  Dorchester 
Heights,  it  is  likely  that  the  British  forces  would  have 
possessed  themselves  of  Massachusetts,  and  possess- 
ing themselves  of  Massachusetts,  could  have  sub- 
dued the  rebellion. 

That  General  Putnam  tells  the  story  of  his  life  mod- 
estly and  with  absolute  truth,  nobody  who  reads  it 
will  be  likely  to  doubt.  He  makes  no  claim  for  him- 
self, except  of  having  served  his  country  faithfully  and 
to  the  satisfaction  and  with  the  respect  of  his  supe- 
riors, especially  of  his  great  leader  Washington. 

He  has  made  no  special  claim  for  himself  in  regard 
to  either  of  the  transactions  to  which  we  have  referred. 
But  he  does  claim  that  it  was  due  to  him  that  Wash- 
ington's army  was  saved  in  New  York  at  the  single 
most  trying  and  dangerous  period  of  the  Revolution- 
ary War.  Of  the  justice  of  that  claim,  military  men 
and  experts  in  military  history  are  the  best  judges. 
It  is  believed,  however,  that  he  is  entitled  to  wear  that 
laurel  also. 


xxxvi  INTRODUCTION 

Other  engineers  might  have  constructed  the  fortifi- 
cations at  West  Point,  which  in  fact  were  the  work 
of  Rufus  Putnam,  whom  Washington  declared  to  be 
the  best  engineer  officer  on  our  side,  whether  French 
or  American.  Other  engineers  might  have  selected 
West  Point  for  the  place  to  be  fortified.  But  Rufus 
Putnam  in  fact  selected  West  Point  and  constructed 
the  fortifications  there.  That  alone  would  have  been 
enough  to  give  him  a  high  place  in  history,  and  a 
high  place  in  the  gratitude  of  his  countrymen.  But  in 
his  title  to  public  gratitude  for  the  unequalled  service 
of  saving  the  Northwest  from  slavery,  and  in  deliver- 
ing Massachusetts  from  the  invader,  he  is  without  a 
competitor. 


RUFUS    PUTNAM'S    MEMORANDUM 
BOOK   OF   FAMILY   CONCERNS 


RUFUS   PUTNAM'S 

MEMORANDUM    BOOK    OF 

FAMILY   CONCERNS 


"John  Putnam  came  from  Buckingham  Shire  in 
England,  Anno-1634,  and  Setled  in  Salem  Maffachu- 
fetts.  —  he  brought  three  Sons  with  him  viz.  Thomas, 
Nathaniel,  and  John  :  he  (that  is  the  Father)  died  at 
the  age  of  about  eighty  years,  very  Suddenly,  he 
eat  his  Supper,  went  to  prayer  in  his  family,  and  died 
before  he  went  to  Sleep  " 

Edward  Putnam,  Grandfon  of  the  first  John  gives 
the  above  account  in  a  manufcript  dated  1733,  himfelf 
being  then  79  years  of  age,  &  adds  "  from  thofe  three 
proceeded  twelve  males,  from  those  12,  forty  males 
and  from  those  40,  eighty  two  males,  there  was  none 
of  the  name  of  Putnam  in  New  England  but  those  of 
this  family  "  with  refpect  to  there  Sittuation  in  Life 
he  remarks  "  I  can  Say  with  the  Pfalmist  .  .  I  have 
ben  young  and  now  am  old  yet  I  have  not  Seen  the 
Righteous  forsaken,  nor  there  Seed  beging  bread, 
except  to  God  who  provide  for  all.  For  God  hath 
given  to  the  generation  of  my  Fathers,  Agurs  portion, 
neither  poverty  nor  riches  but  hath  fead  us  with 
food  convenient  for  us ;  and  their  Children  have  ben 
able  to  help  others  in  there  need.  —  The  third  genera- 
tion are  all  gon  to  their  Fathers  but  three  and  he  that 
gives  this  account  is  one  of  them  aged  79  years  " 

In  1 741  at  the  age  of  87,  he  gives  the  names  of  the 
following  heads  of  Families,  of  the  Fourth  generation  ^ 

1  The  following  genealogical  lists  are  at  variance  with  those  in  the  His- 
tory of  the  Putnam  Family  by  Eben  Putnam,  and  should  not  be  relied 
upon. 


4    MEMOIRS  OF  RUFUS  PUTNAM 

viz  "  Edward,  Elifha,  Jofeph,  Ezra,  Isaac,  Nathaniel, 
Daniel,  Benjamin,  Tarrent,  Cornelius,  Stephen,  Israel, 
Thomas,  Edward,  Archelus,  Joseph,  Samuel  John, 
Amos,  Jofiah,  James  Jethro,  Caroline  John  Jonathan, 
Henry,  Holyoak,  Jacob,  William,  David  Ely  Jofhua, 
Henry  —  32  "  but  how  many  there  were  at  that  time 
of  that  generation  he  Sais  he  could  not  tell ;  this 
good  old  man  died  in  the  year  1 747  in  the  94*^  year 
of  his  age  — 

The  Putnam  Family  as  before  Stated  Settled  at 
Salem  Mafsachusetts  in  Anno  1634,  and  they  are  very 
numerous  at  this  day  in  that  and  the  neighbouring 
towns,  however,  they  are  a  family  by  no  means  fo 
Governed  by  Local  habits  as  Some  others,  they  now 
Spread  through  all  New  England  and  many  other 
parts  of  the  United  States,  nor  have  I  ever  found 
one  of  the  name,  but  was  decended  from  the  Salem 
Family.  — 

It  would  be  in  Vain  to  attemp  at  this  day  to  give 
an  account  of  all  the  Male  desendents  of  the  family, 
however,  I  Shall  attempt  a  Genealogy  as  far  as  has 
come  to  my  knowledge.  — 

And  first  Thomas  Putnam  (the  eldest  Son  of  our 
Ancester  John  Putnam,  had  4  Sons.  Thomas,  Ed- 
ward, Archelus,  &  Jofeph  — 

Edward  was  born  July  4^*^  1654  ^^^  died  at  up- 
wards of  93,  before  mentioned,  his  Sons  were  the  4 
Generation 

viz  Edward     bom  April  29*'^  1682  —  who  lived  to  an 
old  age 
Holyoak      d«     Sep*  iS*'^  1683,  killed  by  the  In- 
dians 
*  Elifha       d°     Nov*"  3^  1685  died  June  10*''  1745 

*  he  removed  from  Salen  &  Settled  in  Sutton,  May  1725     Isaac  also 
removed  to  Sutton  Soon  after  — 


MEMOIRS  OF  RUFUS  PUTNAM    5 

Jofeph  d°  [bom]   Nov''  i^*  1687 

Nehemiah     d*^      Decern'' 20*^  1694  —  died  young 

Ezra —         d°       April  29^1^696  d°  at  about 

51 
Ifaac —        do      March  14*^  1698       died  at  the 
age  of  59 
of  the  5*^  Generation  Sons  of  Edward  2^  viz 
Edard  3^         Settled  in  Sutton  died  at  a  very  ad- 
vanced age  leaveing  a  numerous  Issue  — 
Holyoak  who  alfo  Settled  in  Sutton  & 
Miles  who  first  Settled  in  Midleton 

5*^  generation  Sons  of  Elisha,  3^  Son  of  Edward  i^* 
Elifha,  [born]  December  2^  1715  died  in  the 

army  1758  — 
Nehemiah,         d°      March  22^  17 19.  died  at  Sutton 

Nov''  27*^  1 79 1  — 
Jonathan,  d°      July  ig*'^  1721         d°     at     d°  — 

Stephen,  d°      April  4*'^  1728         d°  New  hamp- 

ihair  March  5*^  1803 
Amos,    d°    [born]    July  22^^  1730,  —  died  aug^'  19*^ 

1811 
*Rufus,  do      April  9^1^  1738,— 

5*^  generation  Sons  of  Jofeph  4*^  Son  of  Edward  i^* 

Oliver,  &  Jofeph. 
5*^  Generation  Sons  of  Ezra  6*^  Son  of  Edward  i^* 
Nehemiah,  who  died  young.  — 

t  Ezra  —  he  had  three  Sons  who  all  died  without  Male 
ifsue  — 
^th  generation  Sons  Isaac  7*^^  Son  of  Edward  i^* 
Phinehas,  Asaph,  Nathan,  Isaac,  Edward  &  Daniel 
Edward  died  young,    the  others  have  numerous  fam- 
ilies — 

*  Commenced  the  Settlement  of  Marietta  on  the  Ohio  7"'  April  1788 
and  arrived  there  with  his  family  November  1790 
t  Settled  at  Marietta  1790  —  with  two  Sons 


6    MEMOIRS  OF  RUFUS  PUTNAM 

6^'^  Generation  decending  from  Elifh,  Son  of  Ed- 
ward i^* 

viz  Sons  of  Elisha  2^ 
Andrew,  Elisha,  *Antepafs,  Jockton,  Luke  William- — 

viz.  Sons  of  Nehemiah  — 
Aaron,  Reeuben,  Jofeph,  Benjamin 

viz.  Sons  of  Jonathan 
Adonijah,  f  Folinsbee,  Jonathan,  Francis,  John  — 

viz  —  Sons  of  Stephen 
Solomon,  John,  Elifha,  Gideon,  Lewis,  David,  Rufus 

viz.  Son,  of  Amos. 
Paul,  who  died  in  Childhood 

viz  Sons  of  Rufus 
X  Ayres,  William  Rufus,  Franklin,  Edwin 

yth  generation  viz  the  Great  Grandsons  of  Elisha 
Son  of  Edward  i^*  N  B  the  Grand  Sons  of  Elifha, 
Nehemiah,  Jonathan  and  Stephen  are  at  prefent  un- 
known, it  is  prefumed  on  good  grounds  they  are 
numerous,  for  in  the  year  1805  the  Grand  children  of 
Stephen  amounted  to  52,  and  Andrew  the  eldest  Son 
of  Elisha  has  Sons  at  lest  40  year  old,  and  Adonijah 
Sons  nearly  as  old  — 

yth   generation    Grandsons    of    Nehemiah,   Son    of 
Elisha  i^* 

viz  Sons  of  Aaron 
Calvin,  Franklin,  Luther,    the  two  Last  died  in  Child- 
hood 

viz.  Sons  of  Reuben  — 
Aaron,  Jonas,  Joseph  Mafon,  Maning,  Rufus,  Rufus 
Austing,  John 

viz.  Sons  of  Jofeph  — 
John  Town,  Daniel  and  Benjamin 

viz  Sons  of  Benjamin 

*  died  at  the  Havanna  in  1764  — 

t  Follinsbee  &  Jonathan  both  died  in  Childhood 

}  Ayres  &  Franklin  died  in  Childhood 


MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM  7 

Simeon,  Rufus,  Jofeph,  John  2^Jofeph  &  3^  —  Jofeph 
all  except  Simeon  &  John  died  in  Childhood  and 
youth 

yth  generation,  Grandfons  of  Rufus,  Son  of  Elisha  i^* 
viz  Sons  of  W"^  Rufus 
William,  who  died  a  few  days  after  born 
W"^  Rufus  born  June  13*^  181 2 

viz.  Sons  of  Edwin 
Franklin 
Rufus  — 
W"  Rice  — 

7th  Generation,  Andrew,  and  Adonijah,  mentioned 
in  the  last  page  have  Several  Sons  but  the  number 
cannot  at  prefent  be  afsertained  — 
8*^  Generation,  it  is  highly  probable  ther  are  many 
of  this  Generation.    Andrew  &  Adonijah  have  doubt- 
lefs  a  number  of  Grand  Children  — 
7  Generation,  Grandsons  of  Elisha  Son  of  Elisha  i^*  — 
viz  Sons  of  Andrew  — 
Andrew  —  Malachai  —  Peter  —  Stephen  —  David 

In  revewing  this  memore,  in  justice  to  the  Charac- 
ter of  my  Father,  Elifha  Putnam,  I  ought  to  mention 
that  he  was  much  refpected  as  a  Citizen  &  Christian, 
was  Town  Clerk  many  years  &  Deacon  of  the 
Church,  and  reprefented  the  town  of  Sutton  at  the 
General  Court  —  how  many  years  I  cannot  say  — 


Decendents  of  Jofeph,  the  youngest  Son  of  Thomas 
&  Grandson  of  our  venerable  ancestor  John  Putnam  : 
he  was  half  Brother  to  Edward  the  first  whose  de- 
cendents have  ben  noticed 

4*^^  Generation  Sons  of  the  above  Jofeph 
William,  David,  Israel  i^* 

5^*^  generation  Sons  of  David  — 
William,  Allen,  Joseph,  Israel,  Jefse 


8  MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM 

5*^  generation  Sons  of  Israel  *  2  his  Sons 
6^^  Israel,  Daniel,  (who  died  young)  Daniel,  Chuyler 
6^^  generation  Sons  of  W"^  Son  of  David  i^* 

Andrew  &  William 
6*^  generation  Sons  of  Joseph  Son  of  David  i^* 

Jefse 
6*^  generation  Sons  of  Israel  Son  of  David  i^* 

Allen,  Daniel,  Israel 
5th  generation  Sons  of  Israel  f  Son  of  Israel  i^*^ 
Israel,  Aaron  Waldow,  David,  W"^  Pitt,  Georg 
Wafhington 

6*^   Generation,  Sons  of   Daniel,  Son  of  General 
Israel 

William 
5th  generation  Sons  of  Chuyler,  Son  of  Gen^  Israel 

John,  Nathan  —  P  Schuyler  —  Oliver 
7*^  generation  Sons  of  Israel  Son  of  Col°  Israel 
yth  generation  Sons  of  Aaron  Waldow  Son  of  Col° 
Israel 

W"^  Pitt  —  Aaron  Waldo  —  Israel  Loreing 
7**^  generation  Sons  of  David  Son  of  Col°  Israel 
Benj'^  Perkins  —  Charles  M  —  Peter  R.   Douglefs 
David   Murray   George 

yth  generation  Sons  of  George  W  Son  of  Col°  Israel 
N  B  W"  Pitt  Son  of  Col°  Israel  died  without  ifsue 
The  decendents  of  the  branches  of  the  Putnam 
Family,  are  very  numerous,  an  account  of  whome 
has  not  ben  attempted,  for  want  of  documents,  and 
it  is  to  be  observed,  that  of  the  thirty  two  heads  of 
Familes,  mentioned  by  my  Grand  father  in  1741  the 
decendents  of  only  eight  of  them  have  ben  notised 
and  those  not  very  partially  in  Several  instence  — 

*  this  is  the  celebrated  General  Putnam,  born  at  Danvers  Mafsachufetts 
17 16  Settled  at  pomphret  Connecticutt  for  whose  character  and  Military 
achievements  See  the  history  of  his  life  — 

t  Col°  Putnam  with  all  his  Family  removed  to  the  ohio  between  1788 
&  1797  —  Settled  at  Marietta  &  Bellprie 


MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM  9 

Having  given  Some  account  of  my  anceilors,  and 
a  genealogy  of  the  Putnam  Family  as  far  as  has  come 
within  my  knowledge,  it  may  be  proper  to  give  Some 
account  of  my  Self  hopeing  it  may  be  of  Some  amufe- 
ment  if  not  of  use  to  my  decendents  — 

I  am  the  youngest  Son  of  Elisha  Putnam,  who  was 
the  third  Son  of  Edward,  grandson  of  John  Putnam, 
who  Settled  at  Salem  in  1634  as  before  mentioned 

—  My  Mothers  Maiden  name  was  Susanna  Fuller, 
daughter  of  Jonathan  Fuller  of  Danvers  — 

I  was  born  the  9*^  of  April  1738,  at  Sutton  in  Maf- 
sachusetts.  in  1745  at  the  age  of  Seven  years  and 
two  months,  I  became  an  orphan  by  the  death  of  my 
Father,  from  his  death  to  September  1747  I  lived 
with  my  grandfather  Fuller,  to  this  time  I  was  keept 
at  School  as  much  as  Children  ufually  were  at  that 
day,  and  could  read  pritty  well  in  the  bible 

In  Sep*  1747  I  went  to  live  with  my  Step  Father, 
Capt  John  Sadler  (at  Upton)  and  continued  with  him 
untill  his  death  (in  September  or  October  1753)^ 

1  [Copy]  By  the  Honourable 

Joseph  Wilder  Esq. 
Judge  of  Probate  of  Wills  for  and  within  the  County  of  Worcester  in  the 
Province  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay  — 

To  Jonathan  Dudley  of  Sutton  in  the  County  and  Province  aforesaid, 
Yeoman  —  Greeting 

Trusting  to  your  care  and  fidelity,  I  do,  by  these  presents,  pursuant  to 
the  power  and  authority  to  me  granted,  in  and  by  an  Act  of  the  General 
Assembly  of  the  said  Province,  nominate  and  appoint  you  to  be  Guardian 
unto  Kufus  Putnam,  a  minor,  aged  14  years,  son  of  Elisha  Putnam  late  of 
said  Sutton,  Yeoman  deceased,  he  having  made  choice  of  you,  with  full 
power  and  authority  to  ask,  demand,  sue  for,  recover,  receive,  &  take  into 
your  custody,  all  and  singular  such  part  and  portion  of  Estate  as  accrues 
to  him  in  right  of  his  Father  aforesaid,  deceased  —  or  which,  by  any 
other  way  or  means  whatsoever,  doth  of  right  belong  or  appertain  to  him 

—  and  to  manage  employ,  and  improve  the  same,  to  his  best  proffit  and 
advantage  —  and  to  render  a  plain  and  true  account  of  your  Guardianship, 
upon  oath,  so  far  as  the  law  will  charge  you  therewith  when  you  shall  be 


lo        MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM 

during  the  six  year  I  lived  with  Cap*  Sadler,  I 
never  Saw  the  infide  of  a  School  house,  except  about 
three  weeks,  he  was  very  illiterate  himfelf,  and  took 
no  care  for  the  education  of  his  family  ;  but  this  was 
not  all  I  was  made  a  ridecule  of,  and  otherwise  abused 
for  my  attention  to  books,  and  attempting  to  write, 
and  learn  Arethmatic,  however,  amidst  all  those  dis- 
couragements I  made  Some  advances  in  writeing  and 
Arethmatic,  that  is  I  could  make  Letters  that  could 
be  under  Hood,  and  had  gon  as  far  in  Arethmatic  as 
to  work  the  rule  of  three  (without  any  teacher  but  the 
book)  —  Oh  !  my  Children  beware  you  neglect  not 
the  education  of  any  under  your  care  as  I  was  neg- 
lected. — 

In  March  1754  I  was  bound  apprentice  to  Daniel 
Mathews  of  Brokfield,  to  the  Millwights  trade  ;  by 
him  my  education  was  as  much  neglected,  as  by 
Capt  Sadler,  except  that  he  did  not  deny  me  the  use 
of  a  Light  for  Study  in  the  winter  evenings  — 

I  turned  my  attention  chiefly  to  Arethmatic,  Geo- 
graphy, and  history ;  had  I  ben  as  much  engaged 
in  Learning  to  write  well,  with  Spelling,  and  Gramer, 
I  might  have  ben  much  better  qualified  to  fulfill  the 
duties  of  the  Succeeding  Scenes  of  Life,  which  In 
providence  I  have  ben  called  to  pafs  through.  I  was 
zealous  to  obtain  knowledge,  but  having  no  guide  I 

lawfully  required  —  and  pay  &  deliver  such  and  so  much  of  said  estate  as 
shall  be  remaining  upon  your  account  (the  same  being  first  examined  and 
allowed  by  the  Judge  of  Probate  for  the  time  being)  unto  the  said  minor 
when  he  shall  arrive  at  full  age,  or  otherwise  as  said  Judge,  by  his  decree 
or  sentence,  pursuant  to  law  shall  limit  and  appoint  —  and  also  to  take 
care  of  the  person  of  said  minor 

In  testimony  whereof  I  have  hereunto  set  my  hand,  and  the  seal  of  said 
Court  of  Probate  —  Dated  at  Worcester  the  12th  day  of  April,  A.  D. 
1752,  &  in  the  25th  year  of  his  Majestys  Reign  — 

Joseph  Wilder  — 

By  order  of  the  Hon.  Judge  J.  Chandler.  Regr.  — 


MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM        ii 

knew  not  where  to  beg-in  nor  what  course  to  pur- 
sue, —  hence  neglecting  Spelling  and  gramer  when 
young  I  have  Suffered  much  through  life  on  that 
account 

March  15**^  i757-  The  war  between  England  and 
France  which  commeced  in  1754  Still  continuing  I 
engaged  in  the  provential  Service,  to  Serve  to  the  2^ 
day  of  February  following.  I  was  attached  to  Cap* 
Eben'  Learneds  Company  of  100  men.  — 
April  30,  we  marched  from  Brookfield  and  reached 
Kenderhook,  about  18  mile  below  Albany,  on  the  6*** 
of  May. 

dureing  our  Stay  at  Kenderhook,  Cap*  Learned 
prayed  with  his  Company  Morning  and  evening,  and 
on  the  Sabath  read  a  Sermon.  (Oh  !  how  the  times 
have  changed.)  — 

May  iS*'^  the  Company  left  Kenderhook,  and  ar- 
rived the  Same  day  at  Green  bulh,  oppofet  the  City 
of  Albany.  — 

May-2i^*  our  Company  reached  Scocook,  a  Dutch 
Settlement  on  Hoofuck  river,  three  mile  from  the 
Hudfon,  deferted  by  the  inhabitents  on  account  of 
the  War.  — 

June  9**^  the  Company  joined  Col°  Fry^  at  Still- 
water, and  on  the  ii*"^  Marched  to  Saratoga  (a  place 
Sence  famous  in  history  for  the  capture  of  a  British 
army   under   the    Command   of    Gen^   Burgoyn   in 

1777-)  — 
June    14*^    Col°   Fryes    Regiment,    consisting   of 

Seventeen  companys.  Left  Saratoga,  and  on  the  15*'' 

arrived  at  Fort  Edward 

July  8*''  being  a  Volunteer  in  the  Ranging  Servis, 

I  was  detached  on  a  Scout  for  Six  days  under  Lt  Col- 

1  Joseph  Frye,  Colonel  of  a  Massachusetts  Regiment  of  Foot. 


12        MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM 

lings  with  22  men.  we  marched  on  the  rout  towards 
South  bay  abou^^  10  mile,  and  encamped  — 
July  9*^  after  marching  about  10  mile  further,  he 
then  Sent  three  of  us  forward  to  go  to  the  bay  & 
bring  him  an  account  of  the  distence  to  it,  that  we 
might  go  the  Lighter  we  Left  our  Blankets  and  pro- 
vision with  the  Scout,  but  the  distence  was  much 
further  then  was  expected,  and  we  were  not  able  to 
return  untill  neer  Sunsett,  to  the  place  where  we  left 
the  party,  they  were  gon,  and  carried  off  our  Blakets 
and  provifions.  the  officer  had  taken  fright,  and  run 
away  fupposing  we  ware  killed  or  taken.  —  we  at- 
tempted to  track  them  but  to  no  purpos,  believeing 
they  could  not  be  farr  oR  we  fiered  a  gun  but  recived 
no  anfwer  —  our  Sittuation  was  by  no  means  agrea- 
ble,  having  nothing  to  cover  us  from  the  Natts  & 
Musketoes  (with  which  that  country  abounds  beyond 
description)  but  a  Shirt  and  Breech  Clout. 
July  10*  we  fiered  guns  but  to  no  purpos,  and  Spent 
the  fore-noon  in  Search  of  there  trale  but  in  vain, 
July  11*^  we  returnend  to  Fort  Edward  having  ben 
Forty  eight  hours  without  any  thing  to  eate,  and 
Spent  two  nights  in  company  with  the  Natts  and 
Musketoes. 

July  12*^  Collins  came  in  with  the  rest  of  the  party 
they  confefsed  they  heard  our  evening  gun,  but  Sup- 
posed the  Indians  had  gotten  us  and  were  after  them, 
in  confequence  of  which  they  took  there  way  to  Fort 
William  Henry,  and  there  reported  that  we  were 
either  killed  or  taken.  M""  Collins  character  undoubt- 
edly Suffered,  but  he  eafily  pafsafied  us  and  we  did 
not  complain  —  however  when  an  officer  is  brought 
to  Solicit  his  Soldiers  not  to  complain  of  him,  he  must 
feal  Small  in  his  own  eyes,  as  well  as  Contemptable 
in  the  eyes  of  others,   it  was  undoubtedly  extreamly 


MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM        13 

unfoldier  like  to  leave  us  in  the  woods  in  the  maner 
he  did  —  if  our  Long  absence  gave  caufe  of  alarm, 
he  ought  to  have  with  drawn  but  a  Small  distence, 
and  placed  himsef  in  ambush  and  to  have  posted  two 
men  under  cover  to  watch  our  return,  or  the  approach 
of  the  enemy  had  any  appeared.  — 

July  23^  about  8  oclock  in  the  morning  a  large 
party  of  Indians  fired  on  the  guard  of  the  Carpenters, 
within  half  a  mile  of  the  Fort  we  had  13  killed  and 
one  mifsing  — 

This  was  the  first  Sight  I  had  of  the  Indians  Butcher- 
ing, and  it  was  not  very  agreable  to  the  fealings  of  a 
young  Soldier,  and  I  think  there  are  few  if  any  who 
can  view  Such  Scenes  with  indifference 

the  Enemy  Left  none  of  there  dead  or  wounded 
behind  —  in  the  afternoon  about  250  men  under  the 
command  of  Cap*  Israel  Putnam  ^  marched  in  pursute. 
we  marched  on  the  Indian  trale  untill  Sun  Set  Cap* 
Putnam  then  ordered  three  of  us  to  follow  the  trale  a 
mile  or  more  further,  and  there  lie  close  untill  quite 
dark,  to  observe  if  any  came  back,  for  Said  he  "if 
they  do  not  embark  in  there  boats  to  night  they  will 
Send  a  party  back  to  See  if  they  are  purfued  "  we 
went  acording  to  ordor  but  made  no  discovery,  and 
here  I  would  remark  that  Cap*  Putnams  precaution 
Struck  my  mind  very  forceally,  as  a  maxim  allways 
to  be  observed  whether  you  are  purfuing  or  are  pur- 
fued by  an  enemy :  efpecially  in  the  woods,  it  was 
the  first  Idea  of  Generalship,  I  recollect  to  have  trea- 
fured  up. 

August  3^^,  this  morning  a  french  army.  Said  to  be 
about  15000,  besides  a  large  body  of  Indians  from 
Cannada,  Lade  Seage  to  Fort  William  Henry,  the 

^  Major-General  Israel  Putnam,  of  Revolutionary  fame.     His   father 
and  Ruf us  Putnam's  grandfather  were  half-brothers. 


14        MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM 

Seage  continued  untill  the  9*^^  when  the  Garifon  ca- 
pitulated. 

Fort  William  Henry  Stood  on  the  margen  of  Lake 
George  neer  the  Southwest  corner  13^  miles  from 
Fort  Edward  and  about  70  mile  from  Abany.  it  was 
a  reguler  Square  with  four  Baftions,  the  walls  con- 
sisted of  timber  and  earth,  with  ditch  &c  capable  for 
a  time  of  resisting  a  cannonade  &  bombardment,  the 
Garison  confisted  of  between  three  and  four  hundred, 
British  regulers,  abut  half  a  mile  east  of  the  Fort,  Sep- 
perated  from  it  by  a  Swamp  and  Creek,  was  about 
1500  proventials  encamped  within  a  low  brest  work  of 
Logs,  on  thefe  the  French  made  no  Serious  attack, 
and  they  might  at  any  time  have  forced  there  way 
throug  the  enemy,  posted  in  that  quarter,  but  the 
next  morning,  viz  the  10^'^  of  August,  as  the  proven- 
tials were  paraded  to  march  to  Fort  Edward  agre- 
ably  to  cappitulation,  the  Indians  fell  on  them,  and 
amost  horrid  butchery  enfued,  those  who  efcaped  with 
there  Lives  were  Striped  almost  naked,  many  in 
makeing  there  efcape  were  lost  in  the  woods  where 
they  wondered  Several  days  without  food,  one  man 
in  perticuler  was  out  ten  days,  and  there  is  reafon  to 
believe  Some  perrished,  in  perticuler  the  wounded, 
but  the  number  murdered  &  mifsing  was  never  known 

to  me 

General  Webb  Lay  all  the  time  of  the  Seage  at  Fort 
Edward  with  not  Lefs  then  four  thousand  men,  acord- 
ing  to  my  Judgment,  and  for  a  confiderable  part  of 
the  time  with  a  Larger  number  by  the  coming  up  of 
the  Militia  of  New  York.  General  Webb  was  informed 
every  day  of  the  Seage,  by  an  exprefs,  from  Col° 
Munroe,  of  the  afairs  at  the  Lake,  he  knew  the 
French  had  attempted  northing  on  the  provential 
Camp,   it  was  the  opinion  of  many  oficers  that  he 


MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM         15 

might  have  releaved  the  Fort,  and  that  he  was 
much  to  blame  for  not  attempting  it,  the  general 
idea  among  us  Soldiers  was  that  he  was  a  coward, 
nor  did  he  exprefs  more  humanity  then  courage,  for 
he  took  no  care  to  bury  the  men  butchered  in 
the  maner  above  mentioned,  or  to  Seek  after  the 
wounded  fhould  there  be  any  Lying  among  the  dead, 
—  I  was  on  the  ground  a  fhort  time  after,  and  Saw 
the  dead  bodies  Lying  as  neglected  as  if  they  had 
ben  wild  bests.  = 

The  proventials  lost  all  confidence  in  General 
Webb,  and  many  of  them  deserted.  I  was  at  one 
time  on  the  point  of  deferting  but  was  proidentially 
prevented.  — 

October  8*'^  the  provential  Rangeing  companys 
were  discharged,  and  I  did  Camp  duty  untill  the 
21^*  when  I  joined  a  Company  of  Carpenters  untill 
the  lo*'^  of  November  when  the  Fort  being  finished 
the  Carpenters  ware  all  dischaed  from  the  public 
works  — 

Fort  Edward  Stood  on  the  Easterly  bank  of  the 
Hudson  or  North  River  about  66  mile  above  Al- 
bany, the  river  washed  one  Side  of  its  wall,  its  form 
was  Somewhat  ireguler :  having  two  Bastions  and 
two  half  Ballions  the  walls  were  high  &  thick  com- 
posed of  hewed  timber  &  earth  a  broad  rampert, 
with  Casement  or  Bomp  proff,  a  deep  ditch  with  a 
draw  bridg,  a  covered  Way,  Glafsee  &c. 

I  have  ben  perticuler  in  this  defcription,  because  in 
1777,  there  was  by  no  means  fo  great  an  apperence 
of  there  having  ben  a  Fortification  there  as  we  find 
in  the  antient  works  at  Marietta  &  other  parts  of  the 
Ohio  Country  — 

November  lo**^  the  remnent  of  Col°  Fry^s  Regiment 
(himfelf   &  most  of   his  regiment   having  be  made 


i6        MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM 

prifoners  at  Fort  William  Henry)  marched  down 
to  the  half  moon,  12  mile  above  Albany. 
November  18^^  360  of  us  were  drafted  into  four 
Companys  and  ordered  to  different  posts  for  winter 
quarters,  this  was  a  greate  &  unexpected  disappoint- 
ment ;  for  althoe  our  inlistments  run  to  the  2^  of 
February  we  expected  to  be  discharge  on  the  clofe  of 
the  Campaign.  —  Capt  Learneds  Company  was  or- 
dered up  to  Still  water.  But  I  with  Several  others 
engaged  in  the  Kings  works  at  Halfmoon,  and  I  did 
not  join  my  Company  untill  the  29*^  of  December  — 

January  i^*  1758.  we  keept  the  day  with  joy  and 
wilhed  for  Chandlemafs,  being  jealous  there  was  a 
delign  to  hold  us  in  the  Servis  longer  then  our  en- 
gagement ;  and  being  ditermined  to  git  away  if  pof- 
sible.  and  knowing  that  if  we  attempted  it  by  the 
common  road  through  Albany  we  Should  probably 
be  Hoped  by  the  Reguler  troops  in  that  quarter  — . 
our  plan  was  to  march  by  the  way  of  Hoofuck ;  and 
the  Snow  being  now  deep  and  daly  increasing,  the 
month  of  January  was  imployed  in  prepareing  Snow 
Shoes  for  the  jooney.  We  Lay  in  Hutts  a  Small 
distence  from  a  Stockade  Fort  garifoned  by  one  Com- 
pany of  Regulers  Commanded  by  Capt  Skean  (after- 
wards Major  Skean  proprietor  of  Skeansbourgh 
South  Bay) 

Capt  Learned  who  had  ben  home  on  Furloe  joined 
his  Company  on  the  5*^  of  January,  approved  of  our 
plan  of  going  off  on  the  3^^  of  February,  and  pledge 
himfelf  to  head  us  in  the  retreat  unlefs  he  could  ob- 
tain our  discharge  I  then  thought  much  of  him  but 
I  have  Sence  Learned  to  dispise  him,  for  an  officer  to 
Defert  is  unpardonable. 

February  2*^  we  were  all  ordored  into  the  Fort  and 
Captain  Skean  read  to  us  part  of  a  letter  he  had  re- 


MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM         17 

ceved  from  General  Abecromby  the  purport  of  which 
was  "  you  are  hereby  required  to  perfuade  the  Mafsa- 
chusetts  men  under  your  command  to  tarry  a  few 
days  longer  untill  I  Shall  hear  from  there  Gover- 
ment,  and  know  what  there  Goverment  intend  to  do 
with  them  "  to  this  it  was  anfwered  he  is  a  good 
Soldier  that  Serves  his  time  out,  and  that  the  pro- 
vence  had  northing  to  do  with  us,  nither  would  we 
tarry  any  Longer,  we  were  then  threatened  with  death 
if  we  went  oH  without  a  reguler  discharge  ;  and  then 
ordered  to  our  Hutts.  — 

If  Capt  Skean  had  ben  in  earnest  withe  refpect  to 
detaining  of  us,  it  is  hard  to  account  for  his  takeing 
no  forceable  meafures  when  we  were  paraded  in  the 
Fort,  nor  was  there  any  Search  made  for  our  Snow 
Shoes,  it  is  true  our  Hutts  were  under  a  high  bank 
out  of  Sight  of  the  Fort,  and  we  keept  our  Snow 
Shoes  concealed  under  the  Snow,  and  pofsibly  he 
knew  northing  of  them,  and  concluded  our  rout 
would  be  down  by  Albany. 

February  3*^  about  three  "Clock  in  the  morning  we 
marched  ofE  as  Silently  as  poisibel,  under  the  con- 
duct of  Cap*  Learned  and  L*  Walker,  being  70  in 
number,  leaving  a  L*  Brown  who  did  not  chues  to  be 
of  our  party,  and  a  few  invaleds  behind.  — 

we  had  an  interv^el  &  the  Hudfon  for  about  half  a 
mile  to  crofs,  exposed  to  the  cannon  of  the  Fort  had 
they  discovered  our  retreat  and  ben  disposed  to  fire 
on  us.  this  made  it  necefsary  to  retreat  in  the  night, 
as  to  any  troubl  from  the  Garison  in  any  other  refpect 
there  was  no  danger  beause  there  Number  was  not 
equel  to  ours 

We  had  no  provisions  but  what  we  had  pinched 
out  of  our  daly  alwence,  which  was  very  Short,  —  we 
might,  prehaps,  on  an  average  have  between  two  & 


i8         MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM 

three  days  alowence.  it  was  called  30  mile  to  Hoofuck 
Fort,  a  Stockade  Fort  on  Hoofuck  river,  belonging 
to  Mafsachufefs.  our  calculation  was  to  reach  this 
place  in  two  days  — 

on  the  first  days  march  we  meet  with  northing 
extreordinary  except  that  the  Snow  was  deeper  then 
expected,  the  foremost  man  Sunk  half  leg  deep  in 
the  Snow,  &  the  tenth  man  had  a  good  path  — 

February  4*^  2^  days  March,  this  was  a  very 
Snowey,  Stormy  day,  and  in  pafsing  Some  deferted 
Settlement  we  left  the  river  Some  confiderable  dis- 
tence  on  the  right,  after  pafsing  thofe  Settlements  we 
bore  away  for  the  Hoofuck  river,  but  unfortunately 
mifstook  a  Western  branch  of  it  for  the  main  river, 
the  river  was  the  only  guide  we  depended  on  to  find 
Fort  Hoosuck,  and  not  Suspecting  we  had  mifsed 
our  way  we  pushed  forward  in  hopes  of  arriving  at 
the  Fort  that  night,  but  were  disappointed.  Capt 
Learned  killed  two  turkes  in  the  course  of  the  day  — 

February  5*^  3^  ays  march.  Started  very  early 
confident  of  being  at  the  Fort  before  noon,  however 
noon  and  night  came,  but  no  Fort  (killed  one  Turky. 
pitched  camp  with  heavy  harts  jealous  we  had  mifsed 
our  way,  provifions  neerly  exhausted,  wether  exceed- 
ing cold  and  Stormy.  Several  men  fooze  there  feet, 
one  man  fell  in  the  river,  and  lost  one  of  his  Snow 
Shoes,  by  which  he  fufiered  much 

February  6^^  4*^'  days  march,  continuing  up  this 
Stream  untill  noon,  came  to  a  confiderable  Fork 
which  left  little  doubt  that  we  had  mifsed  our  way, 
however,  for  further  Satisfaction  we  went  up  one  of 
the  branches  Some  distence  untill  it  became  So  Small 
as  to  remove  all  doubt,  and  then  returned  back  to 
the  Fork  mentioned  above.  Cap*  Learned  then  ad- 
drefsed  the  Company  in  Substence  as  follows     "It 


MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM         19 

"  evidently  appears  that  we  are  on  a  wrong  Stream 
"  and  we  must  be  at  Lest  30  mile  North  of  Hoofuck 
"  Fort,  but  don*  be  discourged,  for  my  life  on  it  if  the 
"  men  hold  out  to  travel  four  or  five  days  if  I  don*^ 
"  bring  you  to  See  the  inhabitents  of  New  England, 
'*  however  if  any  man  has  a  mind  to  turn  back  to 
"  Stillwater  he  may  go  in  welcom  ;  for  my  part  I  will 
"  Sooner  die  in  the  woods  "  we  all  agreed  to  follow 
him  ;  and  Leaveing  this  river  (on  which  is  now  the 
Town  of  Benington  in  the  State  of  Vermont)  we 
Steared  a  Southeast  course  Climing  Several  Steep 
hills  ;  and  about  Sun  Sett  arrived  on  the  top  of  a 
mountain  which  appeared  to  be  the  Highth  of  Land, 
the  wether  extremely  cold,  and  the  Snow  five  feet 
deep  — 

February  7*^  —  5*^  days  march  — 

Thirty  of  us  made  a  breakfast  this  morning  on  a 
Little  poor  Turky  —  without  Salt  or  bread.  —  Travel- 
ing Southeast,  in  about  5  mile,  we  fell  on  a  very  Small 
Stream  ifsuing  from  the  Mount"  and  runing  South- 
east, following  down  this  Streme  which  being  joined 
by  Several  others,  by  night  increased  to  a  confidera- 
ble  river,  we  had  northing  to  eat  Sence  morning, 
but  Beech  buds  and  a  few  high  Cramberries,  night 
found  us  verry  faint,  and  feteagued,  after  all  our 
courage  held  out,  and  our  hopes  brightened  from  the 
courfe,  and  increse  of  the  Stream  we  had  fallen 
on 

February  S*'*     the  6*^  days  March 

The  river  winds  through  a  broken  hilly  country 
and  the  general  course  not  favourable  according  to 
our  opinion,  the  wether  very  could,  and  Stormy  the 
traveling  in  general  very  bad  all  day,  the  men  So 
feable,  or  Lame  with  Frozen  feet,  that  but  few  of  them 
were  able  to  break  track.    So  that  we  began  to  be 


20        MEMOIRS  OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM 

fearfull  that  we  Should  not  reach  any  Settlement  for 
Some  days,  and  had  we  not  had  Some  releaf  by 
traveling  apart  of  the  way  on  the  river  it  is  highly 
probable  Some  of  them  wuld  have  perished  —  we 
had  one,  and  but  one,  Dog  along  with  us  ;  he  was 
large  and  very  fat,  and  this  evening  he  fell  a  Sacre- 
fise  to  our  necefsities.  our  custom  on  this  march  was 
to  encamp  ten  men  at  a  fire  ;  the  Dog  was  cearfully 
Butchered  and  divided  into  Seven  parts,  except  the 
Guts  which  the  Butcher  had  for  his  fees,  thefe  he 
brought  to  our  Fire,  and  ten  of  us  made  a  very  good 
Supper  of  there  fat  with  out  bread  or  Salt. 

February  9*^     the  7*^  days  march 

In  the  morning  ten  of  us  breakfasted  on  one  of  the 
Dogs  hind  feet  and  Leg  cut  of  at  the  gambrell. 
which  being  roasted  in  the  ashes,  and  pounded  fo  as 
to  Seperate  the  bones  of  the  foot  &c.  was  very  pal- 
litable  —  we  had  very  good  traveling  to  day  chiefly 
on  the  river  the  Snow  not  deep,  and  about  noon  we 
Saw  where  Some  trees  had  ben  cut  for  Shingles,  the 
Sight  of  which  revived  our  drooping  Spirits,  as  we 
judged  from  this  circumflance,  Som  Settlement  could 
not  be  very  far  distent  —  about  Sunfetting  we  came 
to  the  mouth  of  a  Small  Stream  on  our  Left,  which 
one  of  the  Corporals  Said  he  knew  to  be  Piellham 
brook,  and  that  we  were  not  more  then  three  mile 
from  Hawks  Fort,  on  Deerefield  River,  which  emties 
into  Connectiutt  river  at  Deerfield  — 

on  this  information  the  Cap*  cunducted  with  great 
prudence,  for  not  more  then  a  dozen  or  fifteen  of  us 
were  yet  come  up,  and  althoe  we  might  have  gon  in 
with  Safety  yet  it  must  probably  have  ben  the  Lofs 
of  Some  that  were  fallen  in  the  rere  on  account  of 
there  feablenefs,  and  Frosted  feet.  The  Captain  there- 
fore ordored  the  Corporal  &  two  others  to  go  on  to 


MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM         21 

the  Fort,  and  make  provison  for  our  arrivel  in  the 
morning- ;  and  the  rest  to  build  fiers  for  the  night, 
fortunately  all  the  men  came  up  by  daylight  — 

this  night  the  ten  men  at  our  fire  made  a  kittle  of 
Soup  for  Supper  of  the  thigh  bone  of  the  Dog  and 
portion  of  a  back  bone  of  Pork,  Seasoned  with  ginger 
which  relished  exceeding  well  — 

With  refpect  to  the  meate  of  a  Dog  I  have  ever 
Sence  I  had  the  experience,  believed  it  to  be  very 
good  eating,  and  that  I  could  at  any  time  eat  it  with- 
out disgust  — 

February  10*^     the  8*^  days  march 

Some  people  from  the  Fort  meet  us  on  our  march 
with  bread  and  meet  Slised  up  and  gave  to  each  man 
a  peace  of  each,  this  was  well  timed  not  only  as  a 
frindly  act  in  giving  us  as  early  releaf  as  pofsible, 
but  Served  to  check  that  rage  of  appetite  by  which 
many  have  injured  themfelves  by  a  full  meal  after 
long  Starvation  we  arrived  at  Hawks  Fort  about  ten 
oClock,  where  we  were  kindly  entertained  — 

as  before  observed  many  of  the  men  were  badly 
Frosted  in  the  feet,  early  on  the  march,  and  Some 
before  we  Set  out,  one  in  perticuler,  Ichabod  Dexter, 
who  was  one  of  my  Mefsmats,  and  whofe  Pack  I 
brought  with  my  own  through  the  whole  march  ;  and 
yet  I  was  among  the  foremost  in  the  march,  and  al- 
thoe  hungery  yet  never  failed  in  vigor  and  activity, 
and  this  I  have  always  thought  was  oweing  in  a  mea- 
fure  to  the  following  circumilance,  we  had  in  my 
Mefs  perhaps  a  pound  of  honney  in  a  Wooden  bottle 
and  after  our  provisions  failed  we  diped  the  end  of  a 
rod  (not  into  a  honney  comb  like  Jonathan)  but  into 
the  honey  bottle  and  put  it  to  our  mouth  — 

February  15*^  I  arrived  at  my  old  Masters  at 
Brookfield  — 


22        MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM 

I  had  enjoyed  my  health  in  a  remarcable  maner 
and  in  Some  inflences  ben  wonderfully  preferved,  but 
I  do  not  recollect  that  I  made  any  acknowledgment 
to  my  benefactor  &  preferver  — 

Cap*  Learned  was  much  (and  I  concive  justly 
blamed)  for  bringing  off  his  Company  in  the  maner 
he  did,  nor  was  he  ever  able  afterward  to  obtain  a 
Commifsion  during  that  war.  — 

In  the  revolutionary  war  he  entered  as  a  Colonel, 
in  1776  refigned,  in  1777  was  made  a  Brigadier  & 
religned  Soon  after  the  capture  of  Burgoyn.  I  never 
doubted  his  courage  but  otherwise  he  never  displayed 
the  Soldier  or  General 

1758  April  10*  Notwithllanding  my  late  Sufferings 
in  my  return  home,  I  engaged  for  another  Campaign 
in  the  provential  Servis,  in  Cap*  Jofeph  Whitcombs 
Company,  and  Col°  Ruggels  ^  Regiment.  — 

the  regiment  randevozed  at  Northhampton,  our 
Company  arrived  there  the  27*^^  of  May  — 

June  3"^  the  Regiment  marched  for  Albany 

June  6*^  pafsed  Pantoofuck  Fort,  on  Houfatonnic 
river  (a  Small  Stockade  with  a  few  provential  Sol- 
diers) 

June  8*^  arrived  at  Greenbufh,  oppofit  to  Albany. 
From  Northhamton  Street  to  this  place  was  through 
a  wildernefs  but  one  houfe  in  whole  disence,  except 
the  little  fort  above  mentioned. 

June  12*^^  I  was  with  the  other  Carpenters  of  Col° 
Ruggels  Regiment  (about  80  in  number)  detached 
and  Sent  forward  under  the  Command  of  L*  Pool, 
we  arrived  at  Lake  George  the  22^  and  were  im- 
ployed  in  various  works  there  untill  the  army  were 
ready  to  embark  — 

July   5**^*   the  Army  embarked   this  morning,   in 

1  Timothy  Ruggles. 


MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM        23 

Bateaux,  confisting  of  about  17000  men,  under  the 
command  of  General  Abbecromby,  Commander  in 
cheif,  Lord  How  the  Second  in  comande,  Gen^  Gage 
the  Third,  and  Col°  Bradftree  Q''Master  general  — 

General  Abbecromby  was  an  old  man  and  fre- 
quently called,  Granne  — 

Lord  How  was  the  Idol  of  the  Army,  in  him  they 
placed  the  utmost  confidence,  from  the  few  days  I 
had  to  obferve  his  maner  of  conducting,  it  is  not  ex- 
travagent  to  Supose  that  every  Soldier  in  the  army 
had  a  prefonal  attachment  to  him.  he  frequently 
came  among  the  Carpenters,  and  his  maner  was  So 
eafy  and  fermiller,  that  you  loost  all  that  conflraint 
or  diffidence  we  feele  when  adrefsed  by  our  Superi- 
ours,  whose  maners  are  forbiding. 

General  Gage  was  a  man  who  never  acquired  a 
high  reputation,  and  the  furious  Bradflreet  was  hated 
by  all  the  Army 

The  Army  moved  down  the  Lake  untill  evening 
when  the  boats  put  a  fhore  at  Sabeth  day  point,  and 
after  refrefhing,  put  off  &  rowed  all  night. 

July  6**^  the  army  Landed  at  the  Lower  end  of  Lake 
George,  on  both  Sides  of  the  out  let,  on  our  aproach, 
a  detachment  of  Frence  posted  on  the  right  or  east 
of  the  out  let  retiered  without  making  any  oppofi- 
tion  —  however  as  Soon  as  apart  of  the  army  began 
to  advance  into  the  woods  on  the  west  Side  of  the 
outlet,  they  were  met  by  a  perty  of  the  enemy,  and 
a  Scirmish  ensued  in  which  Lord  How  was  killed, 
his  death  flruck  a  great  damp  on  the  army,  for  my 
own  part  I  was  So  pannic  flruck  that  I  was  willing  to 
remain  with  the  boat  guard,  which  in  the  Morning  I 
Should  have  ben  very  unwilling  to  have  ben  detailed 
for.  however  I  Soon  recovered,  at  lest  in  a  meafure, 
fo  that  I  volunteared  my  Self  to  join  the  regiment 


24        MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM 

July  8*^  I  found  the  regiment  posted  on  the  west 
of  the  Mills,  with  Col°  Lymans  of  Connecticutt,  im- 
ployed  in  erecting  a  Brestwork.  — 

The  action  at  the  French  brestwork  began  about 
twelve  o  Clock,  and  there  was  a  conllant  peele  of 
Cannon  and  Musquetry  for  Several  hours 

Late  in  the  after  [noon]  there  was  a  party  called 
for  to  carry  ammunition  forward  to  the  army,  then  in 
action,  and  feeling  a  little  concerned  lest  my  character 
might  Suffer  for  having  willingly  remained  with  the 
bot  guard,  I  volunteered  my  Self  on  this  Ser\dce  (I 
have  heard  that  Some  men  Should  Say  they  Loved  to 
fight  as  well  as  to  eat,  I  never  had  any  Such  feelings. 
So  far  as  I  am  able  to  judge  of  my  Self  it  was  pride 
and  a  wish  to  excell,  or  at  lest  to  come  behind  none 
which  influenced  me  at  that  period  of  life,  to  be  among 
the  foremost  on  all  ocations  that  offered)  when  we 
came  to  the  Army  we  found  they  had  ben  repulced 
at  the  brest  work  in  an  attempt  to  Storm  the  eni- 
mies  Lines,  but  I  had  not  the  lest  Idea  of  a  total 
defeate  — 

our  regiment  remained  in  there  brest  work  untill 
about  midnight  and  then  marched  back  to  the  Shore 
of  Lake  George  where  we  landed  on  the  morning  of 
the  6th 

July  g^^  as  Soon  as  Light  appeared  we  discovered 
that  our  regiment  was  the  reer  of  the  army  who  had 
all  retreated  in  the  night,  except  the  Rangers  and 
one  Regiment  of  proventials,  left  neer  the  French 
lines. 

about  9  oClock  the  army  were  all  embarked,  and 
returned  back  to  the  South  end  of  Lake  George,  and 
thus  ended  Abbecrombys  expidition  with  disgrace, 
and  the  Lofs  of  1500  men  killed,  and  wounded  — 

at  that  time  I  was  uninformed  of  the  Situation  of 


MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM         25 

the  works  or  of  the  mode  of  attack,  and  had  I  ben 
informed  of  all  this,  considering  my  youth,  and  in- 
experence  it  would  have  ben  arrogance  to  have  given 
an  opinion,  however  afterwards  viewing  the  works 
and  being  informed  of  the  mode  of  attact,  I  have 
judged  it  the  most  injuditious  and  wanton  Sacrefise 
of  men  that  ever  came  within  my  knowledge,  or 
reeding  — 

Northing  more  of  confequence  was  attempted  in 
this  quarter  this  Season,  except  the  army  commenced 
building  a  Fort  at  this  place  on  the  ground  occupied 
by  the  proventials  in  1757  during  the  Seage  of  Fort 
William  Henry,  which  they  called  Fort  George  — 

July  22^  Col°  Ruggles  with  his  regiment  marched 
to  Fort  Edward,  and  were  imployed  in  repairing  the 
roads  from  thence  to  Albany  untill  the  29*''  of  October 
when  they  were  discharged, 

November  9*^^  arrived  at  Sutton,  my  native  Town, 
where  I  made  it  my  home  for  Some  time  Thus  was 
I  carried  through  a  Second  Campaign  enjoying 
uninterrupted  health,  the  Frindlhip  of  my  ofhcers, 
and  never  charged  with  any  crime.  But  alafs  in  my 
journal  I  cannot  find  any  acknowledgment  to  my 
Divine  benefactor  &  preferver.  nor  do  I  recollect  that 
I  had  any  Serious  reflection  on  the  fubject. 

April  2^  1759^    I  this  day  egaged  in  the  proven- 

MCopy] 

Sutton,  April  2,  1759 
Received  of  Mr.  Moses  Leland,  Fourteen  Pounds,  thirteen  shillings, 
Lawful  Money,  for  which  I  have  enlisted  in  the  Province  service,  in  the 
intended  expedition,  in  behalf  of  said  Leland  —  And  I  promise  to  appear 
on  monday  the  9th  day  of  April  current,  before  Col?  Chandler,  at  Major 
Dan .'.  Howards  at  Worcester,  to  pass  muster  for  said  Leland,  in  Capt.  John 
Sibley's  Company  —  or  I  promise  to  pay  said  Leland  back  said  money,  at 
his  demand,  together  with  his  damage  he  may  sustain  on  my  neglect. 
Witness  RuFus  Putnam 

John  Sibley  — 


26        MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM 

tial  Service  for  the  third  campaign.  I  was  finally 
attached  to  Cap*  William  Pages  Company  of  Hard- 
wick,  and  in  the  first  Battallion  of  Rugels  Regiment 
commanded  by  L*  Col°  Jofeph  Ingersol.  — 

I  did  orderly  Sarjents  duty  untill  the  26*^^  of  July 
I  find  northing  in  my  journal  worth  notising  untill  — 

July  21^*^  this  morning  the  army  embarked  from 
the  South  end  of  Lake  George  and  moved  down  the 
Lake,  General  Amherst  Commander  in  Cheif,  in 
whose  ordors  for  embarking  appeared  So  much  ten- 
dernefs,  and  humanity  as  must  win  the  hart  of  every 
Soldier,  who  had  any  generous  fealings. 

July  22^^  the  Army  Landed  this  morning  at  the 
outlet  of  the  Lake  without  oppolition  — 

July  23  the  army  took  pofsefsion  of  the  brestwork 
where  they  were  defeated  last  year,  with  very  little 
oppofition.  and  now  from  viewing  with  my  own  eyes, 
I  was  convinced  of  the  impropper  mode  of  attact 
made  on  it  the  Last  year,  and  that  thofe  men  who 
were  Sacrefised  fell  through  the  want  of  judgment  in 
the  General,  or  the  rafhnefs  of  Col°  Bradflreat. 

July  24  Commenced  opening  our  trenches  against 
the  Fort,  Ticonderoage  —  26*  the  platforms  were 
Lade  in  the  evening,  &  our  Batteries  were  to  open 
the  next  morning,  the  enemy  had  keept  up  a  heavy 
cannonade  Sence  the  23*^ —  on  the  morning  of  the 
27*^  at  about  three  oClock,  having  very  Silently  em- 
barked in  boates  they  Blew  up  the  Fort  and  pushed 
down  the  Lake  to  Crown  point,  where  they  did  not 
wait  our  coming,  but  went  almost  imediately  down 
Lake  Champlain :  —  there  conduct  was  accounted 
for  on  the  Supposition  of  there  having  heard  that 
General  Wolf  was  approaching  Quebeck,  and  there- 
fore they  could  not  hope  for  any  releaf  — 

July  26  Capt  Aaron  Willard,  a  man  who  knew 


MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM        27 

northing  of  the  bufinefs,  undertook  to  build  a  Saw- 
mill on  the  lower  falls  of  the  outlet  of  Lake  George 
where  it  falls  into  an  arm,  or  bay  about  two  mile 
from  the  begining  of  the  outlet.  — 

I  was  at  first  invited  to  undertake  as  Master  work- 
man under  Willard,  but  I  wholly  declined.  I  wanted 
to  go  forward  with  the  army,  indeed  no  arguments 
prevailed  with  me  untill  the  Brigadier  Sent  an  officer 
to  tell  me  if  I  wuld  not  undertake,  or  go  to  work  I 
Should  go  to  the  guard  house,  the  Brigadier  knew  me 
very  well,  and  I  had  known  him  for  many  years,  and  I 
k  [n]  ew  it  was  in  vain  to  contend,  nor  did  I  Like  to 
offend  an  officer  whome  I  So  highly  refpected,  and 
therefore  Submitted,  hoever  I  always  elleamed  it  an 
arbitary  act,  and  by  nomeans  justifiable  to  compel! 
a  Soldier  who  is  a  mechanic  to  work  at  his  trade 
against  his  will.  — 

When  the  Mills  were  compleated  and  going  well 
(with  two  Saws)  I  was  in  hopes  of  being  permitted 
to  joine  my  regiment,  and  with  that  view  I  obtained 
a  pafs  to  go  to  Crownpoint  where  the  regiment  lay 
(with  the  Army),  while  I  was  there  I  went  to  See 
one  of  the  block  houfes  that  was  building,  I  obferved 
the  Carpenter  was  ignorent  of  the  right  methord  of 
Dovetaleing  the  Corners.  I  offered  to  Showe  him 
and  while  I  was  inflructing  the  man,  it  So  happened 
that  Major  Skean  (overfeer  of  the  works)  came  up, 
and  obferving  what  I  was  about,  asked  me  who  I  was, 
and  upon  my  informing  him,  he  proposed  engageing 
me  in  the  works  carrying  on  at  Crown  point,  and  he 
obtained  permifsion  from  General  Amharst  for  that 
purpus.  I  was  much  pleased  with  my  change  of 
Situation,  if  the  army  moved  forward  against  cannada 
I  Should  doubtlefs  go  with  my  regiment,  but  this  was 
not  all,  Major  Skean  had  taken  Such  perfonal  notice 


28        MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM 

of  me,  and  given  Such  afsurences  of  my  being  re- 
warded according  to  my  merit  as  a  Carpenter  that  I 
felt  confident  of  reciving  wages  according  to  the  Ser- 
vice I  Should  render —  how  much  then  was  I  dis- 
apointed,  when  in  a  few  days  the  Engineer  at  Ticon- 
daroga  came  up  and  made  Such  reprefentations  to 
General  Amherst,  that  I  was  ordored  back  to  the 
Mills  this  was  much  against  my  fealings,  as  well  as 
intrest.  Major  Skean  told  the  engineer  he  ought  to 
alow  me  a  dollar  per  day,  that  he  Should  alow  me 
that  if  I  remained  with  him  —  while  Cap^  Willard 
remained  the  overfeer,  (from  former  experence)  I 
had  very  little  reason  to  expect  any  more  then  the 
common  hands,  but  Willard  was  now  gon  and  no 
commifioned  officer  having  any  concern  with  the 
Mills,  and  after  what  had  taken  place  at  Crowpoint, 
above  mentioned  I  had  good  reafon  to  expect  an 
extra  alowence  — 

the  proventials  this  year  were  discharged  Some 
weeks  before  the  term  of  there  inlistments  expired, 
at  this  time  Col°  Robertson,  the  Quarter  Master 
General  came  to  the  Mills  with  the  Engenear,  and  I 
engaged  with  him  to  tarry  an  indefinate  time,  at  one 
dollar  per  day  and  he  directed  the  Enginear  to  pay 
me  accordingly  :  but  I  was  not  fo  prudent  as  the 
Indian,  Captain  Jacobs,  in  another  cafe,  to  request 
the  General  to  put  his  promis  on  paper :  wherefore 
when  I  applied  to  the  Engineer  the  last  of  November 
for  a  fettlement  he  alowed  me  but  for  three  days  at  a 
Doller  per  day,  aledging  that  I  had  Served,  but  three 
days  over  my  inlistment,  althoe  my  regiment  had  ben 
discharged  Some  weeks  before  — 

thus  was  I  cheated,  not  only,  out  of  an  extra  alow- 
ence which  I  had  good  reafon  to  expect  after  return- 
ing back  from  Crown  point,  but  of  the  contract  made 


MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM         29 

by  Col°  Robbinson  &  which  the  Engineer  was 
directed  to  discharge.  I  began  to  work  the  26^'^  of 
July  I  had  laboured  hard,  I  had  built  excellant  Mills, 
my  merit  as  a  workman  was  confefsed  by  all  who 
Saw  them,  and  the  necessity  of  my  remaining  there 
to  overfee  the  Sawyears,  and  keep  the  mills  in  ordor 
was  proved  by  my  being  brought  back  from  Crown- 
point,  but  the  Engineer  turned  me  off  with  the 
Common  alowence  viz.  fifteen  pence  per  day,  New- 
york  currency.  — 

December  is*  I  embarked  with  Col°  Miller,  Cap*^ 
Fute,  and  others,  being  eleven  in  Number,  in  two 
Batteaux  in  ordor  to  crofs  Lake  George.  —  Col<* 
Miller  had  two  Horfes  and  a  Curricle,  and  for  the 
greater  Safety  we  Lafhed  the  Boats  togather 

the  wether  being  pleasent,  and  having  the  prospect 
of  a  quick  pafsage  we  took  but  little  provision  with 
us,  expecting  to  reach  Fort  George  early  next  day, 
having  a  Small  Breaze  of  wind  in  our  favor,  but  in 
the  evening  the  wind  died  away  and  we  came  too 
under  a  Small  Island  lying  neer  the  main  Land,  about 
four  mile  North  of  Sabath  day  point,  in  the  night  the 
wind  came  ahead  blow^  hard,  and  the  wether  grow'^ 
very  cold  — 

December  2^.  in  the  morning  with  Some  difficulty 
we  brought  the  boats  to  the  main  Land  and  took  the 
Horfs  on  Shore,  the  wind  blowing  a  Gale  all  day, 
the  waves  runing  mountains  high,  there  was  no  pof- 
sibility  of  moveing  any  way,  and  it  was  never  colder 
Sence  my  remembrence.  — 

December  3^  provifions  all  gon,  the  wind  fom  what 
abated  but  Still  So  high  as  to  rendered  it  impofsible 
to  turn  the  point,  the  cold  continuing  and  hunger 
increasing,  our  Sittuation  began  to  grow  Somwhat 
dillrefsing,  but  providence  provided  for  us.    in  ram- 


30        MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM 

bling  over  the  point,  one  of  the  party  accidentelly  came 
upon  an  old  black  provision  bag,  in  which  we  found 
about  a  dozen  pound  of  excellent  Salt  pork,  this  with 
Some  damaged  flour,  brought  by  Col°  Miler  to  feed 
his  horfes,  made  into  dumplins  and  boiled  with  the 
pork  Served  us  very  well  for  that  day  — 

December  4*^  this  morning  was  cold  but  very  calm, 
and  the  Surface  of  the  Lake  Smoath.  but  we  had 
Some  difficulties  yet  to  incounter  one  of  the  Battoes 
belonged  to  Some  Dutch  Sutlers,  which  proved  very 
Leaky,  there  was  at  lest  Six  inches  of  Soiled  ice  in 
the  bottom,  which  in  our  Sittuation  it  was  impofsible 
to  remove.  It  was  therefore  concluded  to  take  both 
Col°  Millers  horfes  with  his  Curricle  on  board  his  own 
boat :  and  for  two  men  with  the  three  Dutchmen  to 
take  on  there  own  boat,  but  we  had  not  proceeded 
many  miles  in  this  way  before  the  Dutch  boat  fell 
aflern  and  put  afhore  and  the  two  men  left  her,  chufe- 
ing  rather  to  take  the  woods  then  row  the  Lazy 
Dutchmen. 

The  Dutchmen  then  called  on  us  for  help,  and  we 
Lay  toe  untill  they  came  up,  and  Col°  Millers  human- 
ity was  Such  that  he  took  them  on  board  his  boat  with 
there  Chests  and  bagage.  —  hunger  and  cold,  now 
was  not  our  greatest  concern  :  we  were  Loaded  down 
within  two,  or  three  inches  of  the  top  of  the  Sides  of 
the  boat,  we  were  just  opening  the  Northwest  bay,  we 
had  yet  twenty  mile  to  Fort  George,  and  a  very  little 
wind,  only  to  have  given  a  Small  aggitation  to  the 
water,  we  must  in  all  probability  have  perished,  but 
providence  So  ordored  it  that  it  was  a  perfect  calm  the 
whole  day,  and  we  arrived  at  Fort  George  a  little  after 
Sun  Set  without  any  accident  — 

I  arrived  home  to  Brookfield  the  16*^  of  December 
having  enjoyed  a  good  State  of  health  the  whole  Cam- 


MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM        31 

paign  —  for  which  I  find  no  acknowledgment  in  my 
journal.    Oh  Shame 

after  my  return  home  as  above,  I  made  up  my  mind 
not  to  engage  any  more  in  the  Military  Service.  I  had 
Several  times  ben  disappointed  of  the  rewards  pro- 
mised for  extra  Service  ;  I  got  northing  for  the  range- 
ing  Service  in  1757  nor  for  my  Servis  among  the  Car- 
pinters  in  Several  inftences.  I  was  much  disgusted 
at  being  compeled  to  leve  my  regiment,  and  go  to 
work  at  the  Mills  at  the  moment  when  I  was  ambi- 
tious of,  and  Supposed  I  had  a  fair  prospect  of  dif- 
tingeshing  my  Self  as  a  Soldier,  its  true  the  army  did 
not  proceed  that  year  any  further  then  Crwnpont,  and 
no  general  action  took  place  in  that  quarter  yet  there 
was  another  point  of  view  in  which  the  forceing  of  me 
from  my  regiment  gave  me  much  uneasinefs.  I  was 
not  only  pleased  with  the  duty  of  orderly  Serjeant,  as 
confidered  in  it  Self,  but  as  it  is  his  duty,  every  day 
to  bring  his  men  for  guard  onto  parade,  and  attend- 
ing there  untill  the  Guard  is  formed,  and  infpected 
(by  the  officer  of  the  day,)  it  is  a  good  School  for 
improvment ;  and  besides,  by  the  Clean  and  Soldierly 
apperence  of  the  men  ;  in  there  cloathes,  and  Arms 
&c  will  never  fail  to  recommend  the  Serj  leant  to  the 
notice  of  his  Superiour  officers  — 

belides  I  had  rendered  that  Ser^ace  to  the  gover- 
ment  which  had  I  not  ben  a  Soldier  the  Quatermaster 
Gen^  had  acknowledged  was  worth  a  Doller  per  day, 
only  for  attending  to  the  Sawyers,  and  I  was  Turned 
ofE  with  only  Seventeen  Cents,  on  the  whole  I  came 
to  a  ditermnation  never  to  engage  again  as  a  Solder, 
nor  did  I  fuppose  there  was  any  prospect  of  being 
invited  to  engage  in  a  higher  capafity. 

under  thefe  circumftances,  and  it  not  being  a  Season 
for  the  Millwrits  bulinefs,  I  took  boarding  in  the  Town 


32        MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM 

of  New  Brantree  and  went  to  work  on  Some  land 
which  I  had  purchased  in  that  town  where  I  Spent 
the  winter  — 

March  1 760.  ordors  were  issued  by  goverment  for 
raifing  prvential  troops  for  another  Campaign,  and  as 
before  observed  I  was  now  refiding  in  New-Brantree, 
and  therefore  attended  the  first  training  called  for 
raising  recruits,  and  enroled  my  Self  in  the  Militia 
Company  of  that  Town.  Capt  Page  of  Hardweek 
at  whose  request  the  Company  had  ben  called  to- 
gather.  Soon  appeared,  and  presented  me  with  recrut- 
ing  ordors,  Sent  by  Brigadier  Ruggles,  and  proposed 
I  Should  join  him  in  raifmg  a  Company,  as  an  ap- 
pointment in  the  army  had  ben  unfolicited  by  me,  the 
ordors  were  wholly  unexpected  I  at  first  declined 
accepting  them,  for  which  I  had  Several  reafons.  the 
disgust  I  felt  for  my  treatment  the  last  Campaign  had 
not  wholly  worn  off,  I  had  formed  my  Plan  to  remain 
at  home,  and  befides  I  found  there  had  ben  applica- 
tion made  in  behalf  of  Some  older  Settlers  in  town 
then  I  was  whome  the  Brigadier  refused,  and  Some 
of  thefe  appeared  very  angry,  and  complained  that 
the  Town  was  infulted  by  my  appointment,  therefore 
I  had  very  Little  reafon  to  expect  much  fuccefs  in 
recruiting  among  them,  however  after  Cap*  Page 
had  Beat  round  Several  times  without  any  fuccefs  on 
the  Sollicitation  of  a  number  of  old  Soldiers  of  my 
acquaintence  I  took  the  ordors,  and  eight  or  nine  in- 
listed  immediately.  Thus  I  was  once  more  fetting  out 
for  the  army.  I  was  much  more  fuccefsfull  in  recruit- 
ing then  I  expected,  but  I  was  guilty  of  a  great  mistake, 
for  I  Sufered  my  men  to  be  Mustered  for  Capt  Pages 
Company,  and  as  he  had  recrited  but  few  men  him  Self 
we  fell  Short  of  the  quoto  we  expected,  and  thus  by 
my  own  folly  in  mustering  my  men  for  his  Company 


MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM        33 

I  lost  them,  much  to  there  diappointment  and  my 
own.  Cap*  Page  of  all  his  Fathers  Children  Loved 
himfelf  the  best,  he  returned  all  the  men  for  him  Self, 
»  and  I  was  left  to  go  a  beging.  I  now  hartily  repented 
of  undertaking  to  recuit,  and  I  cannot  tell  whether  I 
was  more  angry  or  mortified.  Brigadier  Ruggls  was 
at  Boston,  Col°  Willard  ^  was  placed  at  Worcester  to 
arrange  the  officers  to  the  Several  Companys,  he  was 
a  total  Stranger  to  me  and  I  had  no  frind  to  intro- 
duce me,  and  I  was  too  Willfull  or  too  baflifull  to  in- 
troduce my  Self,  all  the  confolation  I  had  (if  that  was 
any)  was  the  company  of  a  number  of  others  in  Like 
circumllances.  however  after  remaining  in  a  State  of 
Suspence  about  three  weeks,  Col°  Willard  prefented 
me  with  an  Enligns  Commifsion  in  his  own  Regi- 
ment. I  had  expected  a  Lieutency  I  had  recrited 
men  enough  to  warrent  it  had  I  not  ben  duped  by 
Captain  Page,  in  agreeing  to  muster  my  men  for  his 
Company,  but  it  was  too  Late  now  to  refuse  an 
Ensign,  and  I  was  really  obliged  to  Col°  Willard  for 
the  appointment 

From  the  circumllances  I  have  related  let  all  but 
efpecially  those  unexprienced  youth  Such  as  I  was,  be 
cautioned  how  far  they  trust  the  frindship  of  those 
whose  intrest  it  may  be  to  dupe  them.  — 

Cap*  Thomas  Beman,  to  whose  Company  I  was 
now  appointed,  had  marched  Some  days  before  my 
appointment,  and  I  was  ordored  to  continue  on  the 
recruiting  Service  —  but  I  had  very  little  Succef  as 
might  well  be  expected  ater  what  had  before  taken 
place  refpecting  the  men  I  had  inlisted 

June  2^  I  Set  out  for  the  army  having  inlisted  but 
three  men,  one  of  which  I  was  permited  to  take  for 
a  waiter,  &  the  other  were  turned  over  to  a  different 
regiment  — 

1  Abijah  Willard. 


34        MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM 

June  18*''  I  joined  my  Company  at  Ticondaroge. 
here  I  found  four  companies  Stationed,  for  this  place 
the  Sawmill,  and  the  Landing  at  the  outlet  of  Lake 
georg.  — 

June  22^  Captain  Bemans  Company  Marched  to 
the  Landing  above  mentioned  where  we  were  Sta- 
tioned untill  the  end  of  the  Campaign,  and  thus  were 
deprived  of  the  honour,  and  of  Shearing  the  feteague 
of  twelve  days  Seage  at  the  Isle  de  nanx,^  —  which 
opened  the  way  for  the  junction  of  the  three  British 
armies  before  Montreal  which  Surrendered  the  8**^  of 
September  without  oppofiton,  and  thus  was  the  con- 
quest of  Cannada  Compleated  Soon  after  our  Com- 
pany was  Stationed  at  the  Landing,  I  was  invited 
by  the  Enginea  at  Ticonderoge  (not  the  one  who 
abufed  me  the  Last  year  as  before  related)  to  take 
the  ovesight  of  the  Mills,  and  alfo  the  erection  of 
a  Blockhouse  where  our  company  was  Stationed. 
I  agreed  with  him  for  at  a  Stipulated  price  per  day 
which  was  honorably  paid  at  the  close  of  the  Cam- 
paign — 

November  19*^  the  Company  marched  to  Ticon- 
deroge and  were  discharged.  — 

November  20  crofsed  the  Lake  and  began  our 
march  through  the  Wildernefs  for  N°  4,^  on  Connecti- 
cutt  River,    at  about  40  mile  crofsed  Otter  Creek  — 

November  25*^  arrived  at  N°  4  being  80  mile  as 
computed  from  Ticonderoge  — 

December  i^*  arrived  home  to  New  Brantree,  hav- 
ing injoyed  a  good  State  of  health  during  my  abfence. 
—  my  oficers  efpecially  the  Captain  and  First  Lieu- 
tenent,  were  very  agreable  companions  and  we  lived 
in  the  greatest  harmony. 

Before  I  left  Camp  Major  Skean  very  wormly  Soli- 

1  Isle-aux-Noix.  ^  fort  Number  Four. 


MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS    PUTNAM         35 

cited  me  to  engage  in  his  Service  in  erecting  mills 
at  Skeans  borough  (head  of  Southbay)  and  as  a 
further  inducment  for  my  undertakeing  Brigadier 
Ruggles  afured  me  of  a  Lieutennants  Commission  in 
the  army ;  the  propofals  were  Such  as  I  could  not 
have  refused  with  propriety,  had  I  not  ben  previously 
engaged  in  the  purfuit  of  a  different  object.  —  I  had 
not  wholly  omitted  acknowledging  my  dependence 
this  year 

After  my  return  from  the  army  as  above  related  I 
keept  no  conllant  reguler  journal,  and  can  therefore 
give  only  a  general  account,  with  Some  more  perticuler 
incidents  of  my  life  as  they  occured 

1 761  in  March  I  comminced  the  Millwrite  bufmefs 
which  I  purfued  as  my  chief  imployment  for  Seven 
or  eight  year,  and  after  that  untill  the  revolutionary 
war  comminced  in  1775  my  bufinef  was  pritty  much 
confined  to  farming  and  Surveying  &  I  alfo  fludied 
Navagation 

April  6*^  1 761  I  was  maried  to  Elifabeth  Ayres 
daughter  of  W*"  Ayers  Esquire  of  Brookfield  — 

May  14*^  I  was  taken  Sick  of  the  bilious  fevor  by 
which  I  was  brought  very  low  but  it  pleased  god  to 
fpare  my  life  and  in  about  three  months  I  recovered 
my  health 

November  16**^  it  pleased  god  to  remove  my  wife 
by  death,  leaveing  me  an  infent  Son  to  take  care  of. 
my  fealings  on  that  ocation  may  be  eafier  concived 
then  defcribed.  however  if  I  did  not  decive  my  felf 
I  bore  this  trial  without  murmering  against  the 
providence  of  God  — 

1762  September  29**^  God  was  pleased  in  his  holy 
providence  to  remove  my  little  Son  (Ayres)  by  death, 
thus  was  I  in  Lefs  then  a  year  deprived  of  Mother 
and  Child,  and  in  them  as  I  then  thought  of  all  earthly 


36        MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM 

comfort :  but  I  hope  I  was  in  Some  good  meafure 
inabled  to  afscribe  righteousnefs  to  my  maker  — 

January  lo*''  1765  I  was  maried  to  Perfis  Rice 
daughter  of  M''  Zebulon  Rice  of  Westborough,  who 
is  through  the  goodnefs  of  God  Still  living,  and  for 
our  Children  &c  I  refer  you  to  the  family  record  —  in 
our  Quarto  Bible  ^ 

In  1772  General  Lyman  returned  from  England, 
where  he  had  ben  Several  years  Soliciting  the  Brit- 
ish Goverment,  for  a  grant  of  Lands  to  the  proven- 
tial  officers  and  Soldiers,  who  had  Served  in  the 
late  war  against  France.  Soon  after  Lymans  return 
a  meeting  of  the  adventurers  was  notified,  which  was 
held  at  Hartford  in  November  the  Same  year.^  to 
this  meeting  General  Lyman  gave  information  that 
an  ordor  had  pafsed  the  King  in  Council,  authoriz- 
ing the  govenor  of  Weft  Florida  to  grant  Lands  in 
that  provence  to  the  provenciels,  in  the  Same  propo- 
tions  as  had  ben  provided  for  his  Mijesties  reguler 
Troops  — 

Lyman  brought  no  document  on  the  Subject,  but 
his  report  was  So  far  relied  on  that  the  meeting 
Voted  to  explore  the  Lands,  and  for  that  purpos 
appointed  a  Conmitte  of  which  I  was  one. 

December  10*^  I  left  my  home  for  the  above  purpos. 

1  Rufus  Putnam  died  May  4,  1824.    His  second  wife,  Persis  Rice,  who 
was  born  in  1737,  died  September  6,  1820.   Their  children  were  :  — 

Elizabeth,  b.  1765;  d.  unmarried,  1830. 

Persis,  b.  1767  ;  m.  Perly  Plowe  ;  d.  1822. 

Susanna,  b.  1768  ;  m.  Christopher  Burlingame;  d.  1840. 

Abigail,  b.  1770;  m.  WilHam  Browning;  d.  1805. 

WiUiam  Rufus,  b.  1771  ;  m.  Jerusha  Guitteau ;  d.  1855. 

FrankUn,  b.  1774;  d.  1776. 

Edwin,  b.  1776 ;  m.  Eliza  Davis  ;  d.  1843. 

Martha,  b.  1777  ;  m   Benjamin  Tupper;  d.  1842. 

Catharine,  b.  1780;  m.  Ebenezer  Buckingham  ;  d.  1808. 

2  For  an  account  of  this  meeting  see  The  Massachusetts  Gazette  and 
Boston  Weekly  News-Letter,  December  4,  1772. 


MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM         37 

[December]  11  arrived  at  Col°  Israel  Putnams,  in 
Broolin  ^  Connecticutt  — 

[December]  20  Col*^  Putnam  &  I  arrived  at  new 
york,  pafsing  by  water  from  Nor^vicli  — 

1773  January  10*^  we  Sailed  from  new  york  on 
board  the  Sloop  Miflifipppi,  provided  by  the  afsoci- 
ats,  called  the  Military  Company  of  adventurers)  we 
of  the  exploreing  Committe  were  Col°  Putnam,  Capt 
Enos,2  M*"  Thaddeus  Lyman,  and  my  Self,  with  Dan- 
iel Putnam,  a  lad  Son  of  the  Col°  &  W'"  Davis  hired 
man.  — 

1 773  January  30**^  we  arrived  at  Cape  Nichala  Moles 
a  porte  in  the  North  west  part  of  Hispanolia  Island, 
this  port  is  an  open  bay  exposed  to  the  Northen 
winds,  at  bothom  of  the  Bay  is  a  Small  Town  of 
about  half  a  mile  Square,  which  covers  all  the  fiat 
ground  to  be  Seen,  Surrounded  with  high  mountains. 
The  Town  was  Said  to  contain  300  houses,  but  the 
Island  in  this  quarter  is  So  mountanious  as  to  aford 
no  plantations  within  nine  Leagues  — 

From  New  york  to  this  place  I  was  extreamly  Sea 
Sick  the  whole  palsage,  not  able  to  keep  a  journal 

Februay  4'''  we  left  the  Mole,  and  on  the  8*'^  ar- 
rived at  Montego  bay,  a  Small  port  on  the  North 
Side  of  Jamaica. 

February  9*^  Left  Montego  Bay  and  Stood  to  the 
west. 

[February]  11*^  Lattitude  observed  19°  10'  N  — 
course  W^  S  — 

[February]  12*'^  about  11  Clock  at  night  we  nar- 
rowly efcaped  runing  onto  a  bear,  low  Island  called 
the  Grand  Commanders  — 

February  15*^  Saw  Pine  Island  bearing  North.  — 
1 7*''  pafsed  Cape  Corentas.  — 

1  Brooklyn.  ^  Roger  Enos,  of  Windsor,  Connecticut. 


38        MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM 

[February]  18*''  doubled  Cape  Antonio  (the  west 
end  of  the  Island  of  Cuba  and  then  Steere  N  b  W 

[February]  21^*  Storm  of  wind  &  rain  from  the  North 
Obliged  us  to  lay  too  untill  the  23^^  —  2-  h-  P  M.  — 

February  24}^  at  8.  h.  P  M  a  violent  Squall  of  wind 
and  rain  obliged  us  to  heve  too  again,  the  25**"  the 
wether  was  extreamly  cold,  and  when  I  returned  home 
I  found  that  day  was  called  the  cold  Tuesday,  we 
were  not  able  to  Lay  our  course  again  untill  the  27*^. 
at  4  -  h  -  A  M  on  the  28*^  we  got  Soundings  at  45 
fathom,  and  a  kind  providence  So  ordored  that  as 
Soon  as  we  were  able  to  make  the  Land  clearly,  we 
Saw  our  port  direct  ahead,  a  circumllance  very  ex- 
treordinary  and  by  no  means  to  be  expected  in  the 
Bay  of  Mexeco,  where  the  currents  are  fo  exceeding 
uncertain,  and  conlidering  further  that  we  had  lain 
intierly  at  the  mercy  of  the  currents  and  winds  for 
5  days  — 

March  i^*  we  entered  the  bay  of  Penfacola  and 
came  to  an  ankor  before  the  Town  and  went  on  Shore 
in  a  boate,  the  water  So  Shoal  that  no  vefsel  of  any 
confiderable  burden  can  approach  neer  the  Shore  — 

govenor  Chester,  and  his  Council  treated  us  in  the 
most  obliging  maner  :  but  alafs  no  ordor  for  granting 
Lands  to  the  proventials  had  arrived,  this  was  a 
motifying  circumllance,  however  the  pofsability  of  its 
yet  arriving,  with  the  propofal  made  for  granting 
Lands  to  the  company,  on  terms  within  the  power  of 
the  govenor  and  Council  induced  the  Committe  to 
refolve  on  proceeding  on  the  bufinefs  of  reconnoitering 
the  country,  on  the  Miffippi  and  to  make  Such  Sur- 
veys as  we  might  think  proper,  and  for  this  purpos 
I  was  commifsioned  Deputy  Surveyor  of  the  provence 
of  West  Florida.  —  In  the  Town  of  Penfacola  there 
were  prehaps   150  houfes,  with  a  State  house,   the 


^'  ^^'■^<r''«^-'^'yj«^ 


'>^  •'  ^-^y5«^^^^#-*-45Si:^r-f 


PL  AX  OF  NEW 


LEANS,   ,77,^ 


MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM        39 

apperance  of  the  county,  on  viewing  from  the  State 
house,  is  a  pitch  pine  forest,  however  on  reconnoiter- 
ing  a  few  Miles  distence  We  found  Some  Scrubby 
oak,  Walnut  &  Sarcafax.  the  Soil  (if  it  can  be  called 
Soil)  is  a  white  Sand  — 

March  18*^  Left  the  Bay  of  Penfacola  and  Steer  our 
courfe  for  the  Miffifippe,  &  as  we  approached  the 
mouth  of  that  river  found  the  frefh  water  (which  was 
eafily  diilinguished  by  its  brown  clay  colour)  floating 
on  top  of  the  Salt  water,  and  haveing  at  a  distence 
the  apperence  of  a  Sandy  beech,  we  really  for  Some 
time  took  it  to  be  fuch,  however  being  undecived  we 
purfued  our  course  into  the  floating  fresh  Water  of 
the  river,  and  at  the  distence  of  a  full  League  from 
Land,  were  able  to  take  up  a  full  bucket  of  perfect 
fresh  water,  but  Sinking  the  bucket  about  three  feet 
brought  up  Salt  water. 

March  20*^  at  5  h  P  M.  we  ankered  just  off  the 
mouth  of  the  river,  the  block  house  on  Mud  Island 
bearing  N.  W.  in  the  night  came  on  a  Strong  North 
wind,  which  drove  the  Sloop  from  her  ankerage,  and 
obliged  us  to  come  to  Sail,  we  were  beating  all  night 
and  the  next  day  untill  5  h  30'  P  M.  when  we  came 
to  Anker  in  8  fathom  water,  the  Ship  chanel  bear- 
ing N  N  W,  Blockhouse  W  b  N.  —  in  the  courfe  of 
the  day,  we  had  pafsed  a  Spanish  Schooner  Several 
times,  which  haled,  but  we  could  not  underfland  what 
they  wanted,  at  evening  She  came  to  anker  neer  us 
and  Sent  her  boate  on  board,  for  provisions,  they  in- 
formed us  that  forty  days  Sence  they  were  lying  at 
anker  neer  the  place  where  they  now  lay,  that  there 
came  on  a  North  wind  which  drove  them  to  Sea,  that 
currents  and  contrerary  winds  carried  them  to  the 
bay  of  Campechey,  and  had  not  ben  able  to  regain 
there  Station  from  which  they  were  driven  forty  days 
before  untill  now. 


40        MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM 

how  different  was  our  fortune,  in  our  pafsage  from 
Cape  S*  Antonio  to  Penfacola.  in  crofsing  this  Same 
bay  we  had  to  conflict  with  Storms  and  contrary 
winds  for  five  days  lying  at  the  mercy  of  those  cur- 
rents to  cary  us  we  knew  not  whether,  yet  providence 
conducted  us  directly  to  our  defiered  port 

1773  March  22^  we  entered  the  MilTifippi  river,  & 
proceeded  up  about  10  mile  from  the  Mud  banks,  or 
mouth  of  the  Ship  channel,  called  the  French  Belies.^ 
on  the  Barr  is  1 2  feet  water  only,  we  were  wind  bound 
here  for  Several  days  in  which  time  I  made  a  Survey 
of  the  mouth  of  the  river  with  Several  of  its  mouths 
or  out  lets  — 

25*^  under  a  very  Light  Breefe  at  S  W,  for  part  of 
the  day  made  15^  mile 

26**^  light  Breeze  at  S  W  made  27^  mile  at  9^ 
mile  pafsed  a  plantation  on  the  right  &  the  first  on 
the  river.  — 

27*^  no  wind  part  of  the  day  made  only  13^  mile 

28*^  we  are  opposit  Monlier  De  laloiras  plantation 
which  is  the  most  considerable  we  have  met  with 
haveing  16  Negroes  on  it,  he  tells  us  he  is  72  year 
old  &  that  he  is  the  first  man  Born  in  Louisania  — 
has  320  acres  french  meafiire  that  under  the  French 
Goverment  he  valued  it  at  ;^i2c>oo  Sterlin,  but  now  it 
would  not  be  valued  at  more  then  one  third  of  that 
money  (So  diagreable  is  the  Spanish  goverment. 

he  informs  us  the  river  at  this  place  never  rifes  & 
falls  more  than  8  feet  &  not  commonly  above  5  or  6 
feet,  but  higher  up  more.  —  we  Saw  many  French- 
men here  who  appeared  with  as  heathy  countenances 
as  the  people  in  the  Northern  Collonies  — 

March  30*^  we  pafsed  English  Reach  So  called  and 
came  too  against  the  left  bank  about  3  mile  below 

1  Balize. 


MEMOIRS  OF  RUFUS  PUTNAM    41 

New  Orleans  we  found  Several  Vefsels  here,  mostly 
English,  waiting  here  for  trade,  not  being  alowed  to 
lie  at  the  town  or  opposet  to  it. 

while  Lying  wind  bound,  the  23  &  24  took  a  Sketch 
of  the  Several  out  lets  or  mouths  of  the  River,  and 
in  coming  up  took  the  courses  &  eflemated  the  dis- 
tences  &  from  entering  the  chanel  at  the  Mud  banks 
I  make  85  ^  mile  to  the  English  Reach  &  from  thence 
to  Orleans  14  mile 

thus  far  the  river  is  about  half  a  mile  wide  with 
a  gentle  current,  with  a  very  light  Breeze  a  Vefsel 
makes  her  pafsage  in  a  Short  time,  with  the  wind  in 
the  Southerly  quarter,  as  Far  as  English  reach,  where 
after  worping  one  mile  we  came  to  Sale  again  — 

the  river  here  is  715  yards  wide,  and  the  deepth 
70  fathom 

April  8*"^  Cap*^  Goodrich  haveing  refused  to  pro- 
ceed any  further,  with  the  Sloop,  we  proceeded  up 
the  river  in  a  Small  Batteau,  —  takeing  the  course 
of  the  river  &  distences  as  before,  make  this  day  15^ 
mile 

April  g^^  at  20^  mile,  we  came  up  with  M*^  Nafhes 
Sloop  who  informs  he  had  ben  further  up  &  might 
have  gon  far  above  Manfhack  without  worping 

April  10*^  made  16^  mile,  11*^  fair  wind  Set  our 
Sale  &  arrived  at  the  Acadian  Settlement  71  mile 
above  New  Orleans,  thefe  people  were  removed  by 
the  English  from  Nova  Scotia,  in  1 754  —  we  land  on 
the  right 

April  12*''  tarried  among  the  Acadians  all  day  and 
were  treated  with  hospitality —  they  have  a  Church 
a  few  miles  above  this  on  the  left  bank  — 

i-^th  ^g  pafsed  a  town  of  the  Homafs  Indians 
called  Choof  town,  they  have  about  20  warriours  — 

1^^^  pafsed  the  river  Ibervill,  So  called  in  the  treaty 


42         MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM 

of  1 763,  at  the  head  of  the  Island  of  Orleans  &  is  1 18)^ 
mile  from  the  Town  of  New  orlans,  it  is  a  Small  out- 
let of  the  Miffifippi  &  was  at  this  time  dry,  however 
in  high  water  runs  eastward,  &  with  the  river  Amit 
falls  into  the  Lakes  Maurapas  &  Ponterchane  &  forms 
the  Island  of  Orleans  — 

on  the  Island  Side  was  a  Spanish  officer,  &  10  men 
on  the  English  Side  called  Manfhack  was  Several  tol- 
larable  Houfes,  &  very  good  gardens,  but  no  Soldiers 
about  I  ^  mile  above  Manfhack  is  the  Indian  village 
of  the  Alabames  on  the  right  hand  — 

16*^^  pafsed  Carpenters,  the  first  English  Planta- 
tion— 

17*^  pafsed  Batten  Rouge  about  14  mile  above 
Manfhack  and  at  38^  mile  to  Browns  Clif?  &  Thomp- 
sons Creek 

18*^  at  3^  mile  above  Thompsons  Creek  came  to 
the  first  Plantation  of  Point  Coupe  — 

19*^  at  4  mile  pafsed  George  Urqurharts  plantation, 
on  the  right  bank  of  the  river  — 

at  6}4  mile  came  to  the  Fort  &  Church  of  Point 
Copee,  a  french  Settlement  on  the  Westerly  Side 
of  the  river  and  is  Said  to  be  as  old,  or  older  then 
Orleans  &  at  this  tim  extended  about  Seven  Leagus 
on  the  river 

made  15^  opposit  to  M""  Mcintosh  on  the  East  of 
the  river  —  pafsed  a  flream  on  the  right  called  Clap 
river 

April  20*^  made  12^  mile  to  day,  pafsed  an  In- 
dian Villege  of  about  40  Hutts,  belonging  to  the 
Tonicas  — 

Wednesday  21^^  made  18^  mile  to  M*"  Blancherds 
plantation 

Thursday  22^  made  16  mile  to  day,  at  9^  we  were 
opposet  the  Appeloufes,  an  out  let  of  the  MifTifippi, 


MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM        43 

which  flows  into  the  Gulf  or  Bay  of  Mexeco.  this  out 
let  appears  to  be  about  40  perches  wide  &  according 
to  the  Survey  I  mad  of  the  river  is  315^2  niile  from 
the  Bellis  or  mouth  of  the  river,  and  97  >^  mile  above 
the  head  of  the  Island  of  Orleans.  Three  mile  above 
this  last  out  let,  falls  in  on  the  west  the  river  de  Rouge, 
or  Red  Rive   it  appears  to  be  about  200  yards  wide.  — 

Friday  23*^  made  18 14^  mile  at  10  mile  lower  end  of 
Lofltis-Cliffs  on  the  East —  at  13  mile  lower  mouth 
of  the  Homocheto  Creek  on  which  it  was  Said  were 
a  number  of  Familis  — 

Saturday  24**^  made  20  mile,  at  13  mile  coasting 
the  western  Shore  of  the  river,  we  found  that  in  1 1  j^ 
mile  we  had  advanced  but  46^  yards,  the  ismus  be- 
ing by  actual  Meafurement  no  more  acrofs,  and  by 
a  water  Level  we  found  the  fall  of  the  water  2  feet  6 
inches 

in  the  courfe  of  the  day  we  pafsed  three  Islands, 
on  the  right  of  the  channel,  lying  abrest  of  each  other, 
&  behind  which  is  another  mouth  of  the  Homocheto 
or  rather  out  let  of  a  Small  Lake  lying  three  miles 
inland  into  which  the  Homocheto  enties  by  three 
channels 

Sunday  April  25^^  made  12)^  mile,  pafsed  another 
Small  Biue,  which  in  high  water  communicates  with 
the  Lake  of  Homocheto.  at  4^  an  Island  neer  the 
left  Shore  at  10  mile  2  very  large  Island,  lying 
abrest.  — 

Monday  26*^^  made  14)^  mile  to  Fort  Rosolen,  at 
the  Natches  —  at  2)^^  mile  to  the  high  Cliff  which 
joins  the  river  one  mile  at  4  mile  pafsed  the  S*  Cath- 
erine Creek  a  Small  Streem  heading  Northest —  half 
a  mile  below  the  Natches  is  the  first  gravel  Shore  we 
have  Seen  on  the  river  — 

Fort  Rossoline,  or  rather  its  ruins,  is  Sittuate  on 


44        MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM 

the  margen  of  a  very  elevated  highth  neer  80  perches 
from  the  river  &  by  a  winding  road  not  very  difficult 
of  afsent.  the  fort  was  a  reguler  Heptagon  capable 
of  containing  4  or  500  men.  the  English  keept  a  gar- 
ison  here  untill  about  4  years  ago,  Sence  which  the 
Barracks  &c  ware  burnt  by  the  Indians,  in  a  drunken 
frolick  —  Here  I  attempted  takeing  the  Lattitude  of 
the  place  with  Davis'  Quadrent  &  made  the  Fort  to 
be  in  Lat-3i°  -  15'  N  &  the  variation  of  the  Needle 
5  °  -  E  -  the  Lands  for  Several  mile  round  appear 
to  be  Indian  planting  grounds,  worn  out.  one  traders 
Hutt  neer  the  old  Fort 

Tuesday  April  27*^  we  vifited  fome  Setlers  on  St 
Catherine  Creek  about  3  mile  distent,  the  Lands  on 
this  Creek  is  pritty  good,  timber.  Hickory,  Walnut, 
oak,  white  &  yallow  Alh  —  which  kind  of  Land  we 
were  informed  extends  30  or  40  mile  from  the  river, 
that  on  the  Homocheto  Creek  about  20  mile  dis- 
tent are  a  number  of  Settlers,  &  the  Lands  very 
good  — 

As  far  as  we  have  afsended  the  river  we  have  feen 
no  Creek  or  Spring  water  fit  to  drink,  at  M*^  Thomp- 
fons  where  we  have  ben  to  Day  we  faw  a  well  60  feed 
deep  without  ftone  or  Curb,  fo  Stiff  is  the  Clay  that 
it  had  no  appear  of  caveing 


The  distences  from  the  mouthe  of  the  Mifsisippi  as  follows 


From  the  mouth  of  the  river  to  English  Reach 
to  New  Orleans 

to  Manfhack  or  head  of  Island  of  Orleans 
to  Batten  rouge  Creek 

to  Browns  Cliff,  first  high  land  &  Thompsone  Creek 
to  point  Coupee  Church 

to  Appeloufis  outlet  runing  into  the  Bay  of  Mexico 
to  River  de  Rouge,  or  Red  river  on  the  west 
to  Lofftis  Cliffs,  the  2^  high  land  joining  the  river 
to  the  Landing  of  the  Natchees 

N  B  the  courses  were  taken  with  a  Small  compafs  having  a  Sea  com- 
pas  bowl,  &  each  course  estemated 


Miles 


Miles 


86 

14 

100 

118 

218 

20 

238 

19 

257 

10 

267 

49 

316 

3 

319 

14 

333 

55 

388 

MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM         45 

Wednesday  April  28**^  Left  the  Natches  in  the  after 
noon  and  on  the  morning  of  the  3*^  of  May  arrived 
at  the  mouth  of  Biue  Pier,  or  Stone  Creek,  distence 
4-6  yi  mile  from  Natches 

about  8  mile  below  this  Creek  is  the  place  called 
pette  gulf  where  the  river  is  bounded  for  neer  one 
mile  by  a  Soiled  rock,  the  angle  of  the  ellivation  is 
at  about  45°  and  at  lest  300  feet  high 

all  the  valuable  Lands  on  the  river,  below  Biue 
Pier,  haveing  ben  already  Located  we  fpent  but  Little 
time  in  examining  the  country,  but  we  now  comnence 
our  reconnoitering 

We  afend  the  Biue  in  our  boat  found  it  17  mile 
to  the  forks,  on  the  right  found  the  land  in  general 
uneven.  Soil  thin,  &  gravelly  on  the  ridges,  on  the 
Left  Land  low  &  in  many  places  fubject  to  the  river 
floods,  but  on  both  forks  of  this  Creek,  the  Lands 
are  in  General  pritty  good  Soil,  a  mixture  of  Clay  & 
Merle.  Timber  White  &  Black  oak,  Hickory  Beech 
Copalm,  &  Some  Cyprus. 

about  100  rod  below  the  Forks  we  maked  a  tree,  for 
commincing  our  Location  — 

Wednesday  May  5*^  we  returned  down  this  Creek 
to  the  river,  9  mile  above  the  Biue  Pier  we  arrive  at 
the  Big  gulf,  where  refides  M""  Thomas  James,  an 
Indian  trader 

May  6^^  we  hired  an  Indian  for  a  poilate  in  the 
woods,  &  alfo  to  inform  any  Indians  we  might  meet, 
who  we  were  —  3  mile  abve  M''  James  is  the  Loufo- 
cheto,  or  big  black  river,  here  two  of  our  party  with 
the  Chocteau  we  had  hired  Set  off  by  Land  while  the 
rest  proceed  up  the  river  to  the  Walnut  hills  distence 
from  Big  Black  55^  we  arrived  here  Saturday  the 
8*''  in  the  evening  —  pafsed  Several  high  handfom 
Banks  of  Bottom  on  our  way  from  big  Black  as  well 


46         MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM 

as  fome  Large  bottoms  which  are  flooded  in  high 
water 

here  we  met  our  Gentlemen  who  came  by  Land, 
we  lern  from  them,  that  their  rout  was  through  a  flat 
country  &  Some  Cyrus  Swamps  that  the  Cain  Brake 
were  fo  thick  it  was  not  pofsible  to  examin  the  Land 
far  from  the  path  — 

Sunday  May  9*^  proceeded  up  the  river  withe  the 
Boat,  &  the  fame  two  gentlemen  which  before  had 
come  by  Land  from  the  Big  Black  Set  off  again  by 
land  for  the  high  grounds  on  the  Yasou.  from  the 
Walnut  hills  we  make  1 7  ^  to  the  mouth  of  the  Yasou 
&  131^  the  Natches,  the  courfes  &  distences  taken 
as  mentioned  in  page  67  [44]  — 

Monday  May  10  we  afended  the  Yasou  river  about 
9  mile  to  a  high  ground,  Said  to  be  formerly  a  French 
Station,  here  we  met  with  our  compenions  who  came 
by  land  at  an  excellent  Spring  of  water  ifsuing  from 
a  Hone  Quarry.  I  found  by  my  calculation  we  were 
North  of  the  provence  Line  of  West  Floriday  :  this  & 
the  Sour  Countenances  of  a  number  of  Indians  Sig- 
nifiing  there  disapprobation  of  our  being  here  indused 
us  to  return  down  the  river  with  out  examining  the 
Lands  here  abouts 

The  yasou  river  is  about  25  perches  wide,  a  dead 
ftreme,  bad  water,  —  with  many  Allegators.  the 
Mifsisippi  backs  far  up  this  river  in  high  water,  we 
fell  down  the  Yasou  about  6  mile,  &  Camped  — 

It  was  the  intention  of  Col°  Putnam  &  M'"  Lyman 
to  have  gon  by  the  Chickafa  path  from  the  yasou 
over  to  the  Big  Black  river,  but  our  Chactau  refused 
to  poilate  them 

Tuesday  May  11*^  we  reconoitered  the  Land  on 
the  South  Side  the  yasou  for  Some  distence  — 

Wednesday  may  1 2*^   Spent  as  yesterday 


MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM        47 

Thursday  d°  [May]  13*^  Col°  Putnam,  M''  Lyman 
&  myfelf  Set  out  by  Land,  more  perticulerly  to  examin 
the  high  Lands  Stretching  from  the  old  French  Sta- 
tion, before  mentioned  to  the  Walnut  hills,  we  Steared 
our  courfe  as  neer  the  hills  as  pofible  on  account  of 
the  Cane  brakes  Saw  Several  Small  Streams  ifsuing 
from  the  high  Lands,  &  land  very  rich,  in  the  after 
noon  we  purfued  one  of  thefe  Streams  to  Some  dis- 
tence,  when  we  were  taken  up  by  a  mighty  Cane 
Brake,  here  Col°  Putnam  climed  a  tree  &  discovered 
high  Land  at  about  100  rods  distent  which  we  were 
two  hours  in  gaining,  on  account  of  the  difficulty  of 
giting  through  the  Cane  — 

here  I  climed  a  tree  &  had  a  fine  prospect  of  the 
Country,  the  Lands  from  the  Northeast  round  to  the 
South  appear  hilly  but  not  Mountanious  nor  much 
broken  we  returned  part  of  the  way  down  the  hill  & 
Camped  by  a  very  fine  Spring  — 

Friday  May  14*^  we  came  by  various  windings 
through  the  flat  Lands  to  our  Boat,  about  one  mile 
above  Walnut  hills  —  the  flat  country  between  here 
&  the  yafou  is  much  injured  by  ponds,  Cyprus 
Swamps  &  overflowing  of  the  river 

Satturday  May  15  —  M*"  Lyman  &  my  Self,  went 
up  the  Cliff,  or  Walnut  hills,  here  I  climed  two  trees, 
found  the  Land  makes  high.  North  —  East  &  South 
or  S  S  E  bearing  off  from  the  river,  but  Some  what 
uneven  full  of  Cane  &  rich  foil  on  top  the  highest 
ridges,  thefe  high  lands  join  those  of  the  Big  Black 
Some  miles  from  its  mouth,  under  thefe  hills  the 
gentlemen  mentioned  before  who  came  up  by  Land 
pafsed  Several  Cyprus  Swamps  &  dead  ponds  with- 
out meeting  with  one  brook  or  runing  Stream  = 

having  finished  our  exploring  in  this  quarter,  we 
fell  down  the  river  Landing  Several  times  to  examin 


48        MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM 

the  bank,  intended  Som  of  us  Should  crofs  the  great 
Bend  by  Land,  but  were  told  it  was  impracticable  on 
account  of  ponds,  Samps,  &  Cane 

Sunday  May  i6  we  returned  down  the  river  as  far 
as  M^  James,  who  Speeks  the  Indian  tongue,  our 
Chactau  now  informed  us  by  M""  James  why  he  re- 
fused to  poilate  a  part  of  us  from  the  yasou  to  the  big 
black,  as  before  mentioned  viz.  that  at  the  yasou  he 
met  two  Chiefs  who  forbid  his  going,  or  in  other 
words  was  opposed  to  our  exploring  any  of  the  Lands 
above  the  big  black  river.  — 

Monday  May  17  —  Col°  Putnam  M''  Lyman  &  my 
felf  Set  out  to  explore  the  Lands  on  the  Big  Black, 
this  river  or  Creek  is  in  General  from  Six  to  eight 
rods  wide,  we  afssended  this  river  about  25  mile, 
with  the  Boat  to  a  rapped,  with  a  Smooth  firm  rock 
at  the  bottom,  over  which  the  water  falls  about  one 
foot,    high  banks  —   a  good  mill  Seat  — 

we  faw  much  fine  Land  on  &  neer  this  Creek  with 
a  number  of  fine  Springs  of  Water,  for  Several  mils 
hoeve  on  the  right  hand  the  lands  apper  hilly  but 
rich  — 

Thursday.  May  20.  we  returned  down  the  river  to 
M""  James^  where  we  found  the  Second  Chief  of 
Chactau  Nation  waiting  for  us.  he  prefented  us  with 
his  Commifsion  given  him  by  Govenor  Chester  — 
To  Mingo-oume  Captain  Georgit  or  Second  Chief 
&c  — 

haveing  Shewn  us  his  Commifsion,  he  told  us  that 
he  underllood  that  we  had  ben  at  the  yasou,  that  no 
white  people  would  be  permited  to  Settle  there  — 
we  deiired  him  to  come  in  the  morning  &  we  would 
attend  to  his  bufmefs  — 

Friday  May  21^*  about  10.  A  M  —  Mingo  oma, 
whose  name  is  alfo  Snake  head,  cam  as  expected. 


MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM        49 

we  asked  him  how  far  up  the  Mifsisippi  there  nation 
had  agreed  the  white  people  might  Settle  —  he  Said 
that  at  the  Last  Congrefs  it  was  agreed  the  white 
people  Should  Settle  on  the  Lousocheto,  or  Big- 
Black  &  not  higher,  — 

at  5  Clock  P  M  we  fet  out  down  the  river  — 

Monday  May  24*^  at  the  Natches  obferved  the  Suns 
miridian  altitude  found  the  Lattitude  3i°-i5'  N  as 
before  and  by  an  observation  at  Sun  Setting  make 
the  variation  of  the  Magnetic  needle  5° -30'  East  — 

Tuesday  May  25*^,  we  learn  the  lands  beyond  the 
Homocheto  are  broken  &  without  water,  &  therefore 
ditermin  not  to  explore  them  as  we  had  before  con- 
templated — 

Wednesday  June  2^  we  arrived  at  Manfhac,  have- 
ing  in  our  way  down  Spent  considerable  time  in  ex- 
ploring the  Lands  neer  the  river  on  the  English,  or 
West  Florida  Side  —  and  here  it  my  be  proper  to  give 
a  general  defcription  of  the  country  we  have  vifited 
and  — 

First  —  the  intervels  or  bottoms  are  very  rich,  with 
a  very  deep  Soil,  but  in  general  &  I  believe  univer- 
fally  Subject  to  inundation  by  the  waters  of  the  river 
in  high  floods.  I  ground  my  opinion  on  this  cir- 
cumilance,  that  I  Saw  drift  wood  Lodged  in  trees 
hanging  over  the  Side  of  the  river  higher  above  the 
Suface  of  the  water  then  any  Land  I  Saw  bordering 
on  the  river,  except  the  few  hills,  or  Cliffs,  as  they 
are  called  that  join  the  river.  — 

Befides  many  part  of  the  bottoms  are  flooded  by 
every  confiderable  fresh  in  the  river,  and  are  alfo  in- 
terfperced  with  many  ponds,  &  Cyprus  Swamps,  filled 
with  flagnent  water,  which  will  be  very  expencive  to 
drane,  &  in  many  inflences  impracticable  — 

The  Margin  of   the   high    Lands,   bordering   the 


50        MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM 

bottoms,  are  in  general  rich  but  uneven  &  from  Sev- 
eral views  I  had  from  the  tops  of  trees,  this  general 
unevennefs  of  the  Land  extends  Several  miles  from 
the  river  — 

the  Soil  of  the  uplands  in  many  parts  is  rather 
thin  &  under  neeth  a  lliff  clay  of  great  depth,  under- 
growth on  the  bottoms  &  rich  uplands,  Cane  — 

Timber,  on  the  high  lands.  Hickory  &  oaks  of  all 
kind  Bottoms,  Locoust,  Willow,  the  Cotton  tree  — 
Copalm,  Ash,  Mulberry,  the  royal  Magnola,  or  high 
Lawrel  with  Cyprus  in  abundence  — 

Streams  of  water.  I  Saw  very  few  Small  Stremes, 
none  fit  for  Mills  —  the  Mill  Seat  on  the  Big  Black  is 
the  only  one  I  Saw  or  heard  of  in  the  country  — 

Fowl  —  there  Some  Turkies,  plenty  of  Duck,  &  in 
the  winter  geefe  &  wood  Pigions 

Wild  game  —  Dear  &  Bear  are  the  chief  — 

Reptiles  there  are  but  few  &  they  chiefly  of  the 
harmles  kind 

Fish,  there  are  Several  kinds,  the  Cat,  &  Sheeps 
head  are  the  principle.  — 

The  Allegater,  abunds  in  the  Miflifippi  and  all  the 
Streames  are  visited  — 

Thursday  June  3^^  —  we  met  our  Slop  three  Leagus 
below  Manfhac,  where  we  were  detained  until  the  9*^ 
by  M""  Ladle  the  Supercargo. 

Saturday  June  12  came  too  about  4  mile  above 
Orleans  here  we  were  detained  untill  the  28*^  of  June 
while  the  Sloop  was  repairing  — 

Thursday  July  i^*  at  y^  past  4  Clock  P  M  pafsthe 
Belies,  and  Stand  N  :  E  :  b  :  N  for  Penfacola  — .  which 
on  account  of  head  winds  we  did  not  reach  untill  the 
5*^  in  the  evening  — 

Tuesday  July  6*^  we  waited  on  the  Govenor,  who 
informed  us  that  in  our  abfence  up  the  river  to  ex- 


(773  yc  '—  ^ 


'       '        i 


MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM        51 

plore  the  country,  he  had  by  two  packets  from  Ja- 
mecha  recived  Letters  from  England,  but  northing 
refpecting  granting  Lands  to  the  proventials. — 

Wednesday  July  7**^  we  prefered  a  pertition  to  the 
govenor  &  Council  with  a  plan  of  the  townfliips  we 
proposed  to  Locate,  but  So  many  objections  were 
made  to  our  proposed  Location,  that  the  bufmefs  was 
posponed  untill  Friday.  —  in  the  mean  time  the  Sur- 
veyor General  directed  me  to  make  a  new  draft  of  the 
proposed  townships 

Friday  July  9*'^  the  Councill  advised  on  our  bufi- 
nefs  &  furnished  us  with  copy  of  there  refult,  which 
Limited  the  time  of  refervation  to  the  first  of  March 

Satturday  July  10*^  we  applied  to  the  Govenor  for 
a  Longer  time  to  commence  the  Settlement  but  with- 
out effect. 

Sunday  July  11*^  we  went  on  board  &  fell  down  to 
Rofe  Island  — 

Monday  July  12*^  Col°  Putnam  &  M^  Lyman,  on 
advice  from  M""  Jones  one  of  the  council,  went  up  to 
town  to  engage  M'  Levingston,  the  Secretary,  in  the 
name  of  the  Committe  to  move  in  Council  for  a  longer 
refervation  then  had  ben  granted  —  but  of  the  refult 
I  find  no  minute  — 

Tuesday  July  13^^  head  wind. 

Wednesday  July  14*'^  Still  at  achor  neer  Rofe  Island 

Thursday  July  15^''  came  to  Sale  wether  fair  & 
plefent  Light  westerly  Breefe  course  S.  E.  b  S  Lat- 
titude  observed  29°  -  1 1'  N  — 

Friday  July  i6*^  pleasent  wether,  Wind  W-S.  W 
Course  S  E  b  S  —  Lattitude  observed  26°  -  54'  N 

Saturday  July  ly^^  pleafent  wether,  wind  S-W 
course  S  E   Lattitude  observed  25° -55'  N 

Saturday  [Sunday]  July  18^'^  at  8.  H-A  M  we 
unexpectedly  found  our  Selves  in  14  fathom,  &  with 


52        MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM 

in  half  a  League  of  a  nunber  of  Low  bushey  Islands, 
which  we  took  for  the  Tortugas  at  first,  but  they 
proved  to  be  the  Seven  Islands,  on  making  thefe  we 
imediately  bore  up  S-E  untill  1 2  oClock  —  Lattitude 
observed  24°  -  33'  — we  now  bore  away  East,  &  Soon 
Lost  Sight  of  Land,  haveing  had  very  little  wind ; 
Sometimes  not  fufficient  to  make  the  Sloop  feal  her 
helm,  it  was  evident  we  had  ben  driven  out  of  our 
course  by  a  Strong  current,  it  was  in  vain  now  to 
attempt  the  Bay  of  Matanses,  haveing  little  or  no 
wind  &  a  llrong  current  under  foot 

Monday  July  19*^  at  5  H  -  A  M  Saw  Some  of  the 
Martiers  bearing  North  —  Stood  away,  or  rather 
keept  the  Sloops  head.  East,  &  Sometimes  E.  N.  E 
untill  12  Lattitude  observed  24° -21'  N.  at  ^  past 
4  PM.  cleared  Cape  Florida  off  which  lies  a  Small 
Sandy  Kee  about  one  Legue  distent,  bore  away  N. 
E.  b  N.  untill  6  oClock  then  N  b  E.  N  B  the  finallest 
Canoe  might  have  made  the  voige  thus  far  with  the 
greatest  Seafety  fo  fmall  was  the  wind  &  So  Smothe 
the  water 

Tuesday  July  20*^  in  Sight  of  Land  most  of  the 
day  —  course  N  b  E  La*  observed  25° -5'  N  a 
frefh  breese  in  the  after  noon    Calm  in  the  night  — 

Wednesday  July  21^*  Saw  Land  most  of  the  day 
—  La*  observed  26° -51'  N 

Thursday  July  22*^  head  winds  &  Squall.  I  was 
So  Sea  fick  that  I  was  no  longer  able  to  keep  a  journal 

Friday  August  6*^  arrived  at  New  york,  haveing 
had  my  health  in  a  remarcable  maner,  exipt  Seafick- 
nef,  with  which  I  was  alway  attacked  whenever  we 
had  a  frefh  Breese  of  wind,  or  a  rough  Sea  — 

Saturday  august  8*^  [7*^]  the  Sloop  Miffifippi  being 
to  remain  at  New  york  Some  time,  Col°  Putnam  his 
Son  Daniel  &  my  felf  took  pafsag  in  a  Sloop  for  Nor- 


MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM         53 

wich,  but  on  our  way  fprung  the  Mast  &  with  Some 
difficulty  arrived  at  New  London  on  Tuesday  the  10*'^ 

Wednesday  august  ii^^  quit  the  Hoop  &  took 
pafsag  in  a  Row  boate  for  Norwich  — 

Thursday  august  12*'^  came  on  Horseback  to  Co\° 
Putnams  &  Friday  13**^  arrived  at  my  own  house  in 
Brookfield  — 

It  may  be  a  matter  of  enquery  with  fome  what 
was  the  final  refult  of  this  undertakeing.  I  anfwer  fo 
vavorable,  was  the  report  of  the  reconnotering  Com- 
mite  refpecting  the  quality  of  the  Lands,  Climate  &c 
and  moderat  terms  on  which  the  govenor  &  council 
engaged  to  grant  the  Lands ;  that  the  Company  at 
a  meeting  in  Hartford  in  the  fall  of  1773  refolved  to 
profecute  the  Settlement,  and  the  Same  fall,  &  winter 
&  Spring  Severl  hundred  families  embarked  from 
Mafsachusetts,  Connecticut  &  other  places  for  the 
purpos  of  Settleing  on  the  Lands  we  had  explored  : 
but  they  were  Sadly  disappointed  for  on  the  6*^^  of 
October  1773  govenor  Chester  informed  his  Council 
theat  he  had  recived  "  an  ordor  of  the  King  in  Coun- 
"  cil  prohibiting  him  from  granting  any  more  Lands, 
"  either  on  Family  Rights  or  on  purchas,  untill  the 
"  Kings  pleafure  was  further  fignified  to  him  "  thus 
the  Land  office  was  fhut  before  the  emigrants  arrived, 
&  indeed  I  believe  before  any  of  them  Sailed,  &  never 
opened  afterward  —  and  all  the  encouragment  they 
found  on  there  arrivel  was  a  permifsion  to  Set  down 

on  any  vacant  Land  they  could  find the  refult 

to  my  felf  was  the  Lofs  of  more  then  eight  months 
time  in  the  tour,  befides  two  jornies  to  Hartford  & 
considerable  expence  more  then  the  $80,  which  I  re- 
cived as  advance  pay  before  we  left  N.  york 
Those  who  emigrated  in  1774  arrived  generally  too 
late  in  the  Season,  to  expect  health  in  such  a  Change 


54        MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM 

of  Climate,  Soon  fell  Sick,  many  died,  &  the  revolu- 
tionary war  brakeing  out  in  1775  put  an  end  to  the 
businefs  of  further  profecuting  the  Settlement 


The  Revolutionary  War  with  Great  Brittain  Com- 
minced  the  19*''  of  April  1775,  By  the  British  troops 
firing  on  Some  Militia  at  Lexeton,  Concord  &c  which 
was  followed  by  raising  an  army  for  the  defence  of 
the  country. 

I  entered  the  Service  in  the  capacity  of  L*  Col°  in 
a  Regement  commanded  by  Col°  David  Brewer,  and 
continued  in  Service  to  the  clofe  of  the  war  — 

My  Character  as  a  Soldier  is  not  for  me  to  give  — 
however  that  my  decendents  may  know  in  Some 
meafure  what  Services  I  rendered  my  county,  and  in 
what  eftemation  I  was  held  by  my  fuperiour  officers, 
I  propose  to  give  fome  account  of  the  Special  Ser- 
vices I  was  called  to  engage  in. 

My  Regiment  was  Stationed  at  Roxbury,  under  the 
command  of  General  Thomas,  &  imedately  after  the 
Battle  of  Charlestown  the  17*^  of  June,  the  general 
&  Field  ofiers  of  that  Station  met  in  Councill,  to 
advise  what  was  best  to  be  don  in  our  exposed  Sit- 
tuation.  it  was  the  unanimous  advice  of  the  officers 
conveaned,  that  Some  Lines  of  defence  fhould  be  ime- 
diately  commenced  for  the  Securing  the  troops  from 
fiirprize  &  protection  of  the  town  —  the  general  in- 
formed us  that  he  had  applied  for  Col°  Gridley  to 
come  over  from  Cambridge,  but  could  not  obtain  him 
as  he  was  the  only  Engineer  on  that  Side,  &  the  only 
one  he  knew  of.  —  Some  of  my  acquaintence  men- 
tioned me  as  having  ben  imployed  in  that  line  in  the 
Late  war  against  Canada    I  informed  the  General 


MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM        55 

that  I  had  never  read  a  word  on  the  Subject  of  For- 
tification, that  it  was  true  that  I  had  ben  imployed 
on  Some  under  British  Eengeneers,  but  pretended  to 
no  knowledge  of  Laying  works,    but  there  was  no 

excuse  would  do,  undetake  I  must Oh  !  what  a 

Sittuation  were  we  in.  no  Lines  to  cover  us,  better 
then  a  board  fence  in  case  the  enemy  advanced  upon 
us,  &  this  we  had  reason  to  expct  —  Necefsity  there- 
fore was  upon  me,  undertake  I  must 

I  imediately  commenced  traceing  out  Lines  in  front 
of  Roxbury  toward  Boston,  &  various  other  places, 
on  the  Roxbury  Side  peticularly  at  Sewels  point  it 
was  my  good  fortune  to  be  at  this  place  when  Gen' 
Wafhington  &  General  Lee  first  came  over  to  examin 
the  Sittuation  of  the  Troops  &  works  on  Roxbury 
Side  of  the  River  —  and  I  was  not  a  little  gratified 
&  incouraged  from  there  perticuler  approbation  of 
the  plan  of  the  works  I  had  Laid  out.  General  Lee 
Spook  much  in  favor  of  the  works  at  Sewels  point, 
compared  with  those  which  had  ben  conflructed  on 
Cambridge  Side 

the  works  Laid  out  at  Roxbury,  Dorchester  & 
Brookline  were  all  of  my  conflructing,  &  Late  in  the 
Fall  I  laid  out  the  Fort  on  Cobble  hill,  neer  Charles- 
town  Mill  pond 

In  the  course  of  this  Campaign,  by  the  Generals 
ordor,  I  Surveyed  &  delineated  the  courfes,  distences 
and  relitave  Sittuation  of  the  enimies  works  in  Boston 
&  Charlestown  with  our  own  in  Cambridge,  Roxbury, 
&c  &c  &c  — 

In  December  I  accomanied  General  Lee  to  Provi- 
dence &  Newport,  at  this  Last  place,  I  Lade  out  Some 
works,  perticulerly  a  Battery  from  whence  to  com- 
mand the  Harbour,  &  Some  works  neer  Rowlands 


56        MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM 

Ferry,  to  Secure  the  communication  of  Rhode  Island 
with  the  Main  — 

In  the  formation  of  the  new  army  to  be  raised  at 
the  close  of  1775  I  was  appointed  L*  Col°  in  the  22^ 
regiment,  Commanded  by  Col°  Sam^^  Wyllis  —  how- 
ever I  never  joined  the  regiment,  but  continued  in 
the  Engineer  department 

1776  January  &  February  —  during  thefe  months 
the  mind  of  General  Wafhington  was  deeply  engaged 
on  a  plan  of  crofsing  on  the  Ice  &  attacking  the  Brit- 
ish in  Boston  — ,  or  endevor  to  draw  them  out  by 
takeing  pofsesion  of  Dorchester  Neck. 

Now  with  refpect  to  takeing  pofsession  of  Dorches- 
ter Neck  there  were  circumstances  which  fell  within 
my  knowledge,  &  Sphere  of  duty,  which  were  fo  evi- 
dently marked  by  the  hand  of  an  overruling  provi- 
dence that  I  think  proper  to  relate  them  — 

As  Soon  as  the  Ice  was  thought  fufhciently  llrong 
for  the  army  to  pafs  over  (or  prehaps  rather  before)  a 
Council  of  general  officers  was  conveaned  on  the  Sub- 
ject, what  there  perticuler  opinions  were  I  never  knew, 
but  the  Brigadiers  were  directed  to  confult  the  Field 
officers  of  there  Several  Regiments,  &  they  again 
to  feal  the  temper  of  the  Captains  &  fubbalterns  — 

While  this  was  doing  I  was  invited  to  dine  at  head 
Quarters,  &  while  at  diner  General  Wafhington  de- 
siered  me  to  tarry  after  diner  —  &  when  we  were 
alone  he  entered  into  a  free  conversation  on  the  Sub- 
ject of  Storming  the  town  of  Boston  — 

That  it  was  much  better  to  draw  the  enemy  out 
to  Dorchester,  then  to  atack  him  in  Boston  no  one 
doubted,  for  if  we  could  maintain  our  felves  on  that 
point  or  Neck  of  Land,  our  command  of  the  town  & 
Harbour  of  Boston  would  be  fuch  as  would  probably 
compel  them  to  Leave  the  place.  — 


MEMOIRS   OF  RUFUS   PUTNAM         57 

But  the  Cold  weather  which  had  made  a  Bridge  of 
Ice  for  our  pafsage  into  Boston,  had  alfo  frozen  the 
earth  to  a  great  depth,  efpecially  in  the  open  country 
Such  as  was  the  hills  on  Dorchester  Neck  —  So  that 
it  was  impofsible  to  make  a  Lodgment  there  in  the 
ufual  way,  however,  the  General  directed  me  to  con- 
llder  the  fubject  &  if  I  could  think  of  any  way  in 
which  it  could  be  don,  to  make  report  to  him  imedi- 
ately  — 

and  Jtow  mark  thofe  Singiiler  circumftatices  which 
I  call  providence  —  I  left  head  quarters  in  company 
with  an  other  Gentleman,  &  in  our  way  come  by  Gen' 
Heaths  I  had  no  thoughts  of  calling  untill  I  came 
against  his  door,  &  then  I  Sais,  let  us  call  on  Gen' 
Heath,  to  which  he  agreed.  I  had  no  other  motive 
but  to  pay  my  refpects  to  the  general,  while  there  I 
cast  my  eye  on  a  book  which  Lay  on  the  table.  Let- 
tered on  the  back,  Midlers  Field  Engineer.  I  imedi- 
ately  requested  the  General  to  lend  it  me,  he  denied 
me.  I  repeated  my  requst.  he  again  refused,  &  told 
me  he  never  Lent  his  books.  I  then  told  him  that 
he  must  recollect  that  he  was  one,  who  at  Roxbury  in 
a  Meafure  compelled  [me]  to  undertake  a  bufmefs 
which  at  the  time  I  confefsed  I  never  had  read  a 
word  about,  &  that  he  must  let  me  have  the  book, 
after  fome  more  excufes  on  his  part,  close  prefsing 
on  my  part,  I  obtained  the  Loan  of  it  —  I  arrived  at 
my  quarters  about  dark,  it  was  the  custom  for  the 
overfeers  of  the  workmen  to  report  to  me  every  even- 
ing what  progrefs  had  ben  made  during  the  day. 
when  I  arrived  there  were  Some  of  them  already 
there.  I  put  my  book  in  the  Chest,  &  if  I  had  time  I 
did  not  think  of  Looking  in  it  that  night  — 

the  next  morning  as  Soon  as  oppertunity  offered  I 
took  my  book  from  the  Chest,  and  looking  over  the 


58         MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM 

contents  I  found  the  word,  Chandilears.  what  is  that 
thought  I  it  is  Somthing  I  never  heard  of  before,  but 
no  fooner  did  I  turn  to  the  page  where  it  was  de- 
scribed with  its  use  but  I  was  ready  to  report  a  plan 
for  makeing  a  Lodgment  on  Dorchester  Neck  —  (in- 
fidels may  Laugh  if  they  please) 

In  a  few  minuts  after  I  had  for  my  Self  ditermined, 
Col°  Gridley  (the  Engineer  who  had  conducted  the 
work  at  Cambridge)  with  Col°  Knox  of  the  Artillery, 
who  had  ben  directed  to  confult  with  me  on  the 
fubject  arrived,  they  fell  in  with  my  plan,  our  report 
was  approved  of  by  the  Gen^  &  preperations  imedi- 
ately  Set  on  foot  to  cary  it  into  effect  and  every  thing 
being  ready  for  the  enterprise,  the  plan  was  put  in 
execution  &  a  Lodgment  made  on  Dorchester  highths 
in  the  night  of  the  fourth  of  March  —  fuch  were  the 
circumllances  which  Led  to  the  discovery  of  a  plan 
which  obliged  the  enemy  to  Leve  Boston,  viz  —  a 
Lodgment  made  of  Chandeliers  *  Fafciens  &c 

The  31^*  of  March  1776  I  recived  General  Wafh- 
ingtons  ordors  ^  "  to  march  to  New  york,  by  the  way 
of  Providence,  to  afford  Govenor  Cook  my  best  ad- 
vice &  afsistence  in  the  conilruction  of  the  work 
there  "  in  this  tour  I  went  to  visit  Newport  again 
where  I  Laid  out  Some  additional  works,  on  my 
return  from  Newport  to  Providence  I  met  with  Gen- 
eral Wafhington  there,  I  believe  the  6^^  of  April  and 
obtained  leave  to  go  by  Brookfield  to  New  York.  I 
belive  I  tarried  with  my  family  part  of  two  days  & 

then  pushed  for  New  york  where  I  arrived  about  the 
20th 

*  A  Chandelier  is  conftructed  of  one  Sill,  lo  feet  long  &  6  inch  Square 
with  two  posts  5  feet  long  of  the  fame  fize  framed  into  the  Sill  5  feet 
apart,  each  fupported  by  a  Brace  on  the  out  Side  —  they  are  placed  on  the 
ground  at  a  proper  distance  from  each  other  the  open  fpace  between  the 
post  are  then  filled  with  bundels  of  Fafciens  f trongly  picketed  togather  — 

1  Page  129. 


MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM        59 

on  my  arrivel  at  New  york  I  was  charged  (as 
chief  Engineer)  with  Laying  out  &  overfeing  the 
works  which  were  erected  during  the  Campagn,  at 
New  york,  Long  Island  &  there  dependencies  with 
Fort  Washington,  Fort  Lee,  King  Bridge  &c  most 
of  which,  but  not  all,  appear  in  a  plan  of  New  York 
Island  &c  which  accompanies  Marfhals  Life  of  Wafli- 
ington  and  obflructions  in  the  river  —  this  was  a  Ser- 
vice of  Much  Feteague,  for  my  whole  time  was  taken 
up  from  daylight  in  the  morning  untill  night  in  the 
bufmefs,  befides  Sometimes  going  in  the  night  by 
Warter  from  New  york  to  Fort  Wafhington. 

and  that  you  may  know  in  what  account  I  was  with 
Gen^  Walhington  at  that  time  I  fhall  transcribe  a  part 
of  his  letter  to  Congrefs  of  the  10^^  of  July  1776  — 

"  General  Mercer  is  now  in  the  Jerfeys,  for  the  pur- 
"  pos  of  reciving  &  ordering  the  Militia  coming  for  the 
"  flying  camp  :  and  I  have  Sent  over  our  chief  engi- 
"  neer  to  view  the  ground  within  the  Neighborhood  of 
**  Amboy,  and  to  lay  out  Some  Necefary  works  for  the 
"  encampment,  and  fuch  as  may  be  propper  at  the 
"  different  palses  in  Bargin  Neck,  and  other  places  " 

Augut  1776  Congrefs  apponted  me  Engineer  which 
was  anounced  to  me  as  follows  — 

New  YORK,  August  iiih.  1776 
Sir 

"  I  have  the  pleafure  to  inform  you  that  Congrefs 
"  have  appointed  you  an  Engineer  with  the  Rank 
of  Col°,  and  pay  of  Sixty  dollars  per  month  —  ^ 
I  am  Sir,  your  afured  frind  &  Ser* 

G'  Washington 

I  Omitted  in  General  Putnam's  transcription  :  — 

"  I  beg  of  you  to  hasten  the  sinking  of  vessels  and  other  obstructions 
in  the  river  at  Fort  Washington,  as  fast  as  it  is  possible.   Advise  Gen. 


6o        MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM 

September  8^^  1776,  a  Council  of  General  officers 
had  ditermined  on  holding  the  City  of  Newyork, 
See  general  Wafhingtons  Letter  of  that  date  —  ^ 

on  the  12^^  of  September  having  ben  out  with 
General  Miflin,  by  ordor  of  General  Wafhington,  to 
reconnoiter  the  country  between  Kingsbridge  &  Mor- 
risania  &  eastward  on  our  return  we  met  with  gen- 
eral Wafhington  neer  Harlem  highth,  where  we  made 
our  report  to  him  in  consequence  of  which  a  coun- 
cil of  general  officers  was  conveaned,  whose  advice 
was  the  withdrawing  the  army  from  the  city.  See 
the  generals  Letter  of  the  14*^  September,^  &  this 
measure  was  the  Selvation  of  the  army,  and  which 
probably  would  not  have  ben  but  for  the  discoveries 
made  by  Miflin  &  my  Self  — 

My  being  appointed  Engineer  by  Congrefs  was 
wholly  unexpected  —  I  had  begun  to  act  in  that  ca- 
pacity through  pure  necefsity,  and  had  continued  to 
conduct  the  bufmefs  more  from  necefsity  &  refpect 
for  the  general  then  from  any  opinion  I  had  of  my 
own  abilities,  or  knowledge  of  that  art ;  true  it  is  that 
after  my  arrivel  at  New  york  I  had  read  fome  books 
on  Fortification  &  I  knew  much  more  then  when  I  be- 
gun at  Roxbury,  but  I  had  not  the  vanity  to  fupose  that 
my  knowledge  was  Such  as  to  give  me  a  Claim  to  the 
first  rank  in  a  Corps  of  Engineers,  yet  my  experience 
convinced  me  that  fuch  a  Corpe  was  necefsary  to 
be  ellablished,  therefore  neer  the  Last  of  September, 
I  drew  up  a  plan  for  Such  an  eflablishment  &  pre- 
fented  it  to  General  Wafhington,  and  which  he  trans- 
Putnam  constantly  of  the  kind  of  vessels  you  want  and  other  things, 
that  no  delay  that  can  possibly  be  avoided  may  happen. 
P.S. —  Congress  have  just  sent  two  French  gentlemen  here  as  engineers. 
Will  either  of  them  be  of  use  at  Fort  Washington  or  Kingsbridge  ? " 

1  Washington's  Official  Letters  to  Congress, 


MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM         6i 

mitted  to  Congrefs.  See  his  letter  to  that  body  of 
the  5^^^  of  November  1776  —  ^ 

"  I  have  taken  the  Liberty  to  transmit  a  plan  for 
"  eflablishing  a  corps  of  engineers,  artificers,  &c, 
"  Sketched  out  by  Colonel  Putnam,  &  which  is  pro- 
"  posed  for  the  consideration  of  Congrefs.  How  far 
"  they  may  incline  to  adopt  it,  or  whether  they  may 
'*  chuse  to  proceed  upon  Such  an  extensive  Seal,  they 
'*  will  be  pleased  to  determine.  However  I  concive  it 
"  a  matter  well  worthy  of  there  confideration,  being 
"  convinced  from  experience  and  from  the  reafons 
"  Suggested  by  Col°  Putnam  who  has  acted  with 
'*  great  diligence  &  reputation  in  the  bufmefs,  that 
"  Some  eflablishment  of  the  Sort  is  highly  necefsary, 
"  and  will  be  productive  of  the  most  beneficial  con- 
"  fequences  " 

in  my  Letter  to  General  Walhington  on  the  fubi- 
ject  I  disclaimed  all  pretention  of  being  placed  at  the 
head  of  the  proposed  corps,  &  Signified  it  would  be 
my  choice  to  Serve  in  the  Line  of  the  army 

October  19*^  1776  —  the  British  Landed  on  Pells 
point  and  Some  Skirmifhing  to  place  in  the  afternoon 
between  part  of  Glovers  Brigade  &  Some  advance 
parties  of  the  enemy  neer  East  Chester.  —  the  next 
morning  by  ordor  of  the  general  I  Set  out  from 
Kingsbridge,  to  reconnoiter  there  Polition  &c  I  Set 
out  in  company  with  Col°  Reed  the  adjutent  general 
&  a  foot  guard  of  about  20  men.  when  we  arrived 
on  the  highths  of  East  Chester  we  Saw  a  Small  body 
of  British  neer  the  church,  but  we  could  obtain  no 
intiligence,  the  Houses  were  diserted  — 

Col°  Reed  now  told  me  he  must  return  to  attend 
ifsuing  general  ordors.  I  observed  that  we  had  made 
no  discovery  yet  of  any  consequence,  that  if  he  went 

1  October  5,  1776. 


62         MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM 

back  I  wished  him  to  take  the  guard  back  for  I  chose 
to  go  alone  — 

I  then  disguised  my  apperence  as  an  officer  as  far 
as  I  could,  and  Set  out  on  the  road  to  White  plains, 
however,  I  did  not  then  know  where  White  plains 
was,  nor  where  the  road  I  had  taken  would  carry  me. 
I  had  gon  about  i  ^  mile,  when  a  road  turned  off  to 
the  right,  I  followed  it  prehaps^  a  mile  &  came  to  a 
house,  where  I  lerned  from  the  woman  that  this  road 
Lead  to  New-Rochell  that  the  British  were  there 
&  that  they  had  a  guard  at  a  house  in  Sight,  on 
this  information  I  turned  &  purfued  my  rout  toward 
White  plains  (the  houses  on  the  way  all  deferted) 
untill  I  came  with  3  or  4  mile  of  the  place,  here  I 
discovered  a  House  a  little  a  head  with  men  about  it 
by  my  glafs  I  found  they  were  not  British  Soldiers, 
however  I  approached  them  with  caution.  I  called 
for  Some  oats  for  my  horse.  Set  down  and  heard 
there  chat  Some  little  time,  when  I  found  they  were 
frinds  to  the  cause  of  America  &  then  I  began  to 
make  the  necefsary  enquieries  —  &  on  the  whol  I 
found  that  the  main  body  of  the  Brittish  Lay  neer 
New  Rochelle.  from  thence  to  White  plains  about 
nine  mile,  good  roads  &  in  general  level  open  coun- 
try that  at  white  plains  was  a  large  quantity  of 
Stores,  with  only  about  three  hundred  melitia  to  guard 
them,  that  the  British  had  a  detachment  at  Maniar- 
neck  only  Six  miles  from  White  plains,  &  from  White 
plains  only  five  mile  to  the  North  River,  where  lay 
five  or  Six  of  the  enimies  Ships  &  Slops,  tenders 
&c  — 

having  made  thefe  difcoveries  I  Set  out  on  my 
return,  the  road  from  Wards  acrof  the  Brunx  was  my 
intended  rout  unlefs  I  found  the  Brittish  there,  which 
happly  they  were  not,  but  I  Saw  American  on  the 


MEMOIRS  OF  RUFUS  PUTNAM    63 

highths  west  of  the  Brunx,  who  had  arrived  there 
after  I  pafsed  up  —  I  found  it  to  be  Lord  Sterlings 
Division,  it  was  now  after  Sunset.  I  gave  My  Lord 
a  fhort  accont  of  my  disoveries  took  Some  refresh- 
ment, &  Set  off  For  head  quarters,  by  the  way  of 
Philips,  at  the  mouth  of  Sawmill  river,  a  road  I  had 
never  traveled,  among  tory  inhabitence  &  in  the 
night.  I  dare  not  enquire  the  way,  but  providence 
conducted  me  —  I  arrived  at  head  Quarter  neer 
Kings  bridge  (a  distence  of  about  10  mile)  about  nine 
oClock  at  night.  I  found  the  General  alone.  I  re- 
ported to  him  the  discoveries  I  had  made,  with  a 
Sketch  of  the  country,  he  complained  very  fealingly 
of  the  Gentlemen  from  New  York  from  whome  he 
had  never  ben  able  to  obtain  a  plan  of  the  country  — 
that  from  there  information  he  had  ordored  the  flores 
to  White  plains  as  a  place  of  Securety  —  the  General 
Sent  for  General  Greene,  &  gen^  George  Clinton 
Sence  Vice  Prefident  of  the  United)  as  Soon  as 
General  Clinton  came  in  my  ketch  and  Statement 
was  Shewn  to  him  &  he  was  asked  if  the  Sittuation 
of  those  places  were  as  I  had  reported,  —  gen^  Clin- 
ton Said  they  were 

I  had  but  a  Short  time  to  refrefh  my  Self  &  Horse 
when  I  recived  a  Letter  from  the  General  with  ordors 
to  proceed  immediately  to  Lord  Sterlings,  and  I  ar- 
rived at  his  quarter  about  two  oClock  in  the  morn- 
ing 

October  21^*  1776 —  Lord  Sterling  Division 
Marched  before  daylight  &  we  arrived  at  the  White 
plains  about  9  Clock  AM  —  and  thus  was  the  Ameri- 
can army  Saved  (by  an  interpofeing  providence) 
from  a  probabal  total  dejtriiction.  I  may  be  asked 
wherein  this  perticuler  interposition  of  providence 
appears.    I  anfwer.  First  in  the  Stupidity  of  the  British 


64    MEMOIRS  OF  RUFUS  PUTNAM 

General  in  that  he  did  not  early  on  the  morning  of 
the  20*^  Send  a  detachment  and  take  pofsession  of 
the  post  &  Stores  at  White  plains  for  had  he  don 
this  we  must  then  have  faught  him  on  his  own  terms, 
and  fuch  disadvantagous  terms  on  our  part  as  hu- 
manely Speeking  must  have  proved  our  overthrow 
again  when  I  parted  with  Col°  Reed  on  the  20*^  as 
before  mentioned,  I  have  always  thought  I  was  moved 
to  So  hazardous  an  undertaking  by  foreign  influence 
—  on  my  rout  I  was  Liable  to  meet  with  Some  Brit- 
ish or  tory  parties,  who  probably  would  have  made 
me  a  prifoner,  (as  I  had  no  knowledge  of  any  way  of 
efcape  acrofs  the  Brunx  but  the  one  I  came  out)  hence 
I  was  induced  to  disguife  my  felf  by  takeing  out 
my  cockade.  Loping  my  hat  &  Secreating  my  Sword 
&  pistols  under  my  Loose  coat,  and  then  had  I  ben 
taken  under  this  disguise  the  probability  is  that  I 
Should  have  ben  hanged  for  a  Spy  — 
October  29*^  [28*^?]  the  british  advanced  in  front  of 
our  Lines  at  White  plain  about  10  Clock  AM  —  I 
had  just  arrived  on  Chatterton  hill  in  ordor  to  throw 
up  Some  works  when  they  hove  in  fight,  as  Soon  as 
they  discovered  us  they  commenced  a  Severe  can- 
nonade but  without  eny  effect  of  consequence.  Gen- 
eral M*=Dougal  about  this  time  arriving  with  his 
Brigad  from  Burtises,  &  observing  the  British  to  be 
crofsing  the  Brunx  below  in  Large  bodies  in  ordor  to 
attack  us,  our  troops  were  posted  to  recive  them  in  a 
very  advantagous  polition.  the  British  in  there  ad- 
vance were  twice  repulsed,  at  length  however  there 
numbers  were  increased  fo  that  they  were  able  to 
turn  our  right  flank,  we  lost  many  men  but  from 
information  after  wards  recived  there  was  reafon  to 
believe  they  lost  many  more  then  we  the  rale  &  Stone 
fence  behind  which  our  troops  were  posted  proved 


MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM        65 

as  fatal  to  the  British  as  the  rail  fence  &  Grafs  hung 
on  it  did  at  Charlestown  the  17^*^  of  June  1775  — 

after  the  affair  of  the  29^^^  of  October  my  time  was 
imployed  in  examining  the  nature  of  the  country  in 
a  military  point  of  view  in  our  reere  towards  North 
Castle,  Croton  river  &c  untill  about  the  5*^  of  Novem- 
ber when  I  reived  the  follow  ordor  from  the  general 
which  I  Shall  take  the  liberty  to  transcribe 

Headquarters  Whiteplains  November  5""  1776 
Sir 

"  you  are  directed  to  repair  to  wrights  Mills,  &  lay 
**  out  any  work  there  you  concive  to  be  necefsary  in 
**  cafe  it  is  not  already  don  ;  from  thence  you  are  to 
'*  proceed  towards  Croton  Bridge,  and  post  the  two 
"  Regiments  of  Militia  in  the  most  advantagous 
"  maner,  So  as  to  obstruct  the  enimies  pafsage  to 
"  that  quarter 

"  you  are  alfo  to  give  what  directions  you  think  are 
"  proper  to  those  regiments,  refpecting  the  breaking 
"  up  the  roads  Leading  from  the  North  river  eastward 

"  after  this  you  are  to  go  up  to  Pekes  Kill  and  di- 
"rect  Lashers  detachment  to  brake  up  the  roads 
"  there,  you  are  likewise  to  Lay  out  what  works  will 
"  be  advisable  there  &  ordor  them  to  be  Set  about " 

Given  under  my  hand  at 
"  To  Col°  Putnam  Engineer      Go  Washington 

November  11*'^  1776  Gen^  Washington  came  to 
Pekes  kiln,  &  I  went  with  him  to  Visit  Fort  Mont- 
gomery, on  the  Same  day  or  the  next  he  crossed  the 
North  river,  leveing  inflructions  with  me  to  afsertain 
the  Geography  of  the  country  with  the  roads  &  pafses 
throug,  &  about  the  high  lands,  a  report  of  which  I 
afterwards  made  with  a  Sketch  of  a  plan  —  ^ 

^  Page  129, 


66         MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM 

December  8*^  1776  I  wrote  to  Gen^  Washington  in 
forming  that  I  had  accepted  of  a  Regiment  in  the 
Mafsachufetts  Line  of  the  continantal  army  with  my 
reafons  for  fo  doing,  afsureing  him  at  the  Same  time 
of  my  attachment  to  him,  &  redinefs  to  execute  any 
Service  I  Should  be  ordored  on.  an  extract  of  his 
answer  I  Shall  Subjoin  — 

"  5  Buck  County  neer  Coryells 
I  Ferry  December  i;""  1770 

E>ear  Sir 

"  your  Letter  of  the  8*^  Instent  from  Peakskill  came 
"  duely  to  hand,  your  acceptence  of  a  Regiment  to 
"  be  raised  on  continantal  eflablishment  by  the  State 
"  of  Mafsachufetts  bay,  is  quite  agreable  to  me,  and 
'*  I  Sincearly  wish  you  fuccefs  in  recruiting  &  much 
"  honor  in  Commanding  it ;  — 

"  your  profefsions  of  attachment  are  extreamly 
**  pleasing  to  Dear  Sir  your  most  obedient  Servent " 

Go  Washington  " 

again  on  the  20*^^  of  December  1776  in  a  Letter  to 
Congrefs  the  General  has  the  following,  viz  "  I  have 
"  alfo  to  mention  that,  for  want  of  fome  eflablishment 
"  in  the  department  of  engineers  agreable  to  the 
"plan  laid  before  Congrefs  in  October  Last,  Colonel 
"  Putnam,  who  was  at  the  head  of  it,  has  quitted  and 
"  taken  a  regiment  in  the  State  of  Mafsachufetts.  I 
"  know  of  no  other  man  tolerably  well  qualified  for 
"the  conducting  of  that  bufmefs.  — 

"  None  of  the  french  gentlemen  whome  I  have  Seen 
"  with  appointments  in  that  way  appear  to  know 
"  anything  of  the  matter,  there  is  one  in  Philidel- 
"  phia,  who  I  am  told  is  clever  :  but  him  I  have  not 
"  Seen  —  " 

after  this  I  repaired  to  head  Quarters  to  Settle  my 


MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM         67 

accounts  and  then  in  Janury  1777  returned  to  Maf- 
sachusetts  to  recruit  my  regiment  in  which  I  was 
pritty  Succefsfull,  but  as  I  was  not  engaged  in  much 
extra  Service  this  year  my  memore  will  be  very 
Short,  three  Companys  of  the  regiment  marched  from 
Worcester  about  the  first  of  May,  for  Peakskill  & 
from  thence  In  June  were  ordored  up  the  North  river 
&  finally  to  Fort  Ann.  I  marched  with  the  remainder 
from  Worcester  the  3^  of  July,  at  Springfield  I  re- 
cived  information  that  those  three  companies  were 
gon  up  the  North  river,  &  alfo  orders  to  join  the 
Brigade  in  that  quarter.  I  joined  the  Northen  troops 
about  4  mile  above  Fort  Edward,  the  next  day  the 
army  fell  down  the  river  about  4  mile,  except  my 
regiment  which  remained  three  or  four  days.  —  this 
gave  me  an  oppertunity  to  examin  Fort  Edward  & 
compair  its  prefent  State  with  what  it  was  formally. 
in  the  year  1 760,  the  Last  time  I  Saw  it  when  Stand- 
ing, it  appeared  as  it  really  was  a  very  flrong  Forti- 
fortification  —  (See  page  22  [15]  of  this  memore) 
but  now  alafs  its  remaining  walls  &  ditch  would  aford 
no  cover  in  cafe  of  an  attack 

With  refpect  to  the  events  which  took  place  this 
Campaign  on  the  North  river,  between  the  army 
under  the  imediate  Command  of  General  Bugoyne 
&  ours  under  General  Gates,  I  Should  Say  northing 
of  my  Self,  were  it  not  for  Some  omisions  &  mis- 
statements by  the  historian  with  refpect  to  Storming 
the  works  of  the  German  referve  on  the  Seventh 
of  October  (See  Life  of  Wafhington,  page  257-258 
Voll.  3 

The  facts  are  as  follows,  in  front  of  those  works 
was  a  cleare  open  field  bounded  by  a  wood  at  the 
distence  of  about  120  yards  in  the  Skirt  of  this 
wood  I  was  posted  with  the  5*^  &  6**'  regiments  of 


68    MEMOIRS  OF  RUFUS  PUTNAM 

Mafsachufetts  —  the  right  &  left  of  those  works  were 
partly  covered  by  a  thin  wood  &  the  reer  by  a  thick 
wood,  the  moment  ordors  were  given  to  Storm,  I 
moved  rapidly  acrofs  the  open  field  &  entered  the 
works  in  front,  I  believe  the  Same  moment  that  the 
troops  of  Learneds  Brigade,  (in  which  Jacksons  regi- 
ment was)  entered  on  the  Left  &  reer.  I  imedi- 
ately  formed  the  two  regiments  under  my  command 
&  moved  out  of  thefe  works  (which  were  not  enclosed 
in  the  reer)  into  the  wood  toward  the  enemies  enclosed 
redoubt,  on  the  right  flank  of  there  main  encampment 
—  General  Learned  as  Soon  as  he  had  Secured  & 
Sent  off  all  the  plunder  taken  in  this  Camp,  with- 
drew all  the  other  troops  without  biding  me  a  good 
night.  — 

however  Some  time  before  morning  General  Glover 
joined  me  with  three  regiments  from  the  right  Wing 
of  the  army 

Marfhals  account  of  this  alTair  is  very  different  from 
mine  for  Sais  he  "Jacksons  Regiment  of  MalTachusetts 
"  Led  by  Lieutenant  Colonel  Brooks,  turned  the  right 
"  of  the  encampment  &  Stormed  the  works."  No 
mention  is  made  of  Brigadier  Gen^  Learned,  who 
Stormed  at  the  Same  time  with  other  Corps  of  his 
Brigade  as  well  as  Jacksons.  Nor  of  the  two  regi- 
ments under  my  command  who  Stormed  in  front, 
again  "  Brooks  maintained  the  ground  he  had 
gained  "  northing  can  be  further  from  being  correct 
then  this,  for  except  the  two  regiments  which  I  com- 
manded I  never  Saw  troops  in  greater  disorder  —  nor 
did  I  See  any  of  them  formed  into  ordor  for  action 
before  I  moved  out  with  the  s^^  &  6*^  regiments  as 
before  mentioned 

Page  6i,  in  a  note  from  M''  Gordon,  it  is  Said  that 
Nixon  Brigade  crofsed  Saratoga  Creek,   the  fact  was 


MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM        69 

that  the  Brigade  was  put  in  moton  &  marched  in 
close  collum  to  the  Creek,  just  as  the  fog  brook  away, 
when  the  whole  park  of  the  British  artillery  opened 
upon  us  at  not  more  then  500  yards  distent,  finding 
we  were  halted  I  road  forward  to  the  head  of  the  Bri- 
gade to  enquire  why  we  Stood  there  in  that  exposed 
Situation,  but  Nixon  was  not  to  be  found  &  Col" 
Graton  who  commanded  the  Leading  regiment,  Said 
he  had  no  ordors.  I  then  advised  crofmg  the  Creek 
&  covering  the  troops  under  the  bank  which  was  don. 
I  then  at  the  request  of  Col°  Stevens,  advanced  with 
my  regiment  acrofs  the  plain,  &  posted  them  under 
cover  of  the  bank  of  an  old  ftockad  fort,  while  Ste- 
vens advanced  with  two  Field  pecies  to  anoy  the  Brit- 
ish who  were  attempting  to  take  away  Some  covered 
wagons  Standing  about  half  way  between  us  &  the 
British  Batery 

we  remained  in  this  Sittuation  about  an  hour  when 
I  had  ordors  to  retreat  —  I  found  Nixon  neer  the 
Church  and  after  Some  debate  I  obtained  Leve  to 
Send  a  party  &  cut  away  the  British  Boats  which 
Lay  above  the  mouth  of  the  Creek.  Captains.  Morse 
—  Goodale  —  &  Gates,  with  about  70.  or  80  Volun- 
teered them  Selves  on  this  Service  which  they  effected 
without  any  Lofs  —  And  here  I  Shall  Leave  on  record 
my  testimony  of  Major  Godales  ^  Caracter  as  an 
officer  &  Soldier —  being  the  copy  of  a  Letter  I 
wrote  to  Gen^  Wafhington  — 

Massachusetts  Hutts,  June  g*^  1783 
Sir:  — 

"  I  do  my  Self  the  honor  to  enclofe  a  Letter  I  re- 
"  cived  a  few  days  Sence  from  Cap*  Goodale  of  the 

1  Nathan  Goodale,  of  Brookfield,  Massachusetts,  who  emigrated  to  the 
Ohio  country  in  the  summer  of  1788. 


70        MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM 

5*^  MalTachufetts  regiment  —  I  confefs  I  feal  a  con- 
viction of  a  neglect  of  duty  in  respect  of  this  Gentle- 
man, that  I  have  not  till  this  moment  taken  any 
meafures  to  bring  his  Services  to  public  view,  has 
been  oweing  to  the  confidence  I  had  that  General 
Gates  would  have  don  it,  as  the  most  extreordinary 
of  them  were  performed  under  his  orders,  and  as 
he  gave  repeated  afsurences  they  Should  not  be 
forgotten  —  I  am  Sorry  that  Gen^  Gates  is  now  out 
of  Camp,  for  were  he  not  I  Should  appeal  to  him  on 
the  Subject  but  as  I  am  fure  So  worthy  a  character, 
and  fuch  importent  Servises  ought  not  to  be  buried 
in  oblivian,  or  pafs  unrewarded,  I  beg  your  Excel- 
lencies patiance  a  few  moments  while  I  give  a  fhort 
detale  of  them  — 

"  Captain  Goodie  was  among  the  first  who  em- 
barked in  the  common  cause  in  1775  — he  Served 
that  year  as  a  Lieutennant  in  the  Same  regiment 
with  me  —  I  had  long  before  known  him  to  be  a 
man  of  Spirit,  &  his  probity  &  attention  to  Service 
Soon  gained  him  the  character  of  a  worthy  officer  — 

"In  1776  he  entered  again  as  a  Lieutennant,  but 
Served  with  me  the  most  of  the  year  as  an  afsistent 
engineer  &  the  public  are  much  indebted  to  him  for 
the  dispatch  and  propriety  with  which  Several  of 
the  works  about  New  york  were  executed  —  in  the 
dark  month  of  November  1776  M''  Gooale  entered 
Service  as  a  Captain  in  the  regiment  under  my  com- 
mand &  was  in  the  field  early  the  next  Spring,  but 
althoe  he  always  discovered  a  thirst  for  enterprise 
yet  fortune  never  gave  his  genius  fair  play  till  Au- 
gust 1777  —  tis  well  known  into  what  a  pannic  the 
country  &  even  the  Northern  army  were  thrown  on 
the  takeing  of  Ticonderroga.  — 

"  When  General  Gates  took  command  in  that  quar- 


MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM         71 

ter  our  army  Lay  at  Vansiacks  Island,^  and  M"" 
Burgoyne  with  his  black  wyngs  &  painted  Legions 
Lay  at  Saratoga,  the  woods  were  So  infested  with 
Savages,  that  for  Some  time  none  of  the  Scouts 
who  were  Sent  out  for  the  purpos  of  obtaining  prif- 
oners,  or  intiligence  of  the  enimies  Sittuation  Suc- 
ceeded in  either  —  General  Gates  being  vexed  at 
continual  disapointments  desiered  an  officer  to 
procure  him  a  man  that  would  undertake  at  all 
hazards  to  perform  this  Service.  Cap*  Goodale 
being  Spook  to  voluntarily  undertook  the  bufmefs 

under  the  following  ordors  from  General  Gates 
"  Sir  you  are  to  chuse  out  one  Serjent  &  Six  pri- 
"  vates,  and  proceed  with  them  to  the  enimies  camp, 
"  unlefs  you  loose  your  life  or  are  captured,  &  not 
"  return  untill  you  obtain  a  full  knowledge  of  there 
"  Situation  " 

"  Cap*  Goodal  in  his  report  of  this  Scout  Sais,  it 
"  was  not  performed  without  great  feteagiie,  as  the 
"  party  was  much  harrased  by  the  Indians  which 
"  ocationed  there  being  in  the  woods  three  days 
"without  provisions"  however  he  fucceeded  be- 
yond expectation,  first  throwing  himfelf  between 
there  out  guards,  &  there  camp  where  he  concealed 
his  party  untill  he  examined  there  Sittuation  very 
fully,  &  then  brought  of  Six  prisoners,  (which  he 
took  within  there  guards)  with  which  he  returned 
to  Gen^  Gates  without  any  Lofs 

"  this  Sucefs  induced  Gen^  Gates  to  continue  him 
on  that  kind  of  Service  —  a  full  detail  of  all  the  in- 
treagu,  &  addrefs  which  he  discovered  during  the 
remainder  of  that  campaign  woul  make  my  Letter 
quite  too  Long,  it  may  be  enough  to  obferve  that 
before  the  capture  of  the  British  army  121  prisoners 

1  Van  Schaick's  Island. 


72        MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM 

fell  into  his  hands,  but  as  Capt  Goodale  is  no  lefs 
brave  &  determined  in  the  open  field  when  opposed 
to  reguler  troops  then  he  is  artfull  as  a  partisan  of 
the  woods,  I  beg  your  patience  while  I  recite  one 
inflence  of  this  kind  — 

"A  day  or  two  after  M""  Burgoiyne  retreated  to 
Saratoga  (in  a  foggy  morning)  Nixons  Brigade 
were  ordored  to  crofs  the  Creek  which  Seperated 
the  two  armies.  Cap*  Goodale  with  40  Volunteers 
went  over  before  the  advance  guard,  he  foon  fell  in 
with  a  British  Guard  of  about  the  Same  number, 
the  ground  was  a  clear  plain,  but  the  fogg  pre- 
vented there  discovering  each  other  till  they  were 
within  a  few  yards  when  both  parties  made  ready 
neerly  at  the  Same  time.  Capt  goodale  in  this  pofi- 
tion  referving  his  fire,  advanced  imediately  upon  the 
enemy,  who  waited  with  a  defign  to  draw  it  from 
him.  but  he  had  the  addrefs  to  intimidate  them  to 
in  Such  a  maner  by  threatning  immediate  death 
any  one  that  Should  fire  that  not  more  then  two 
or  three  obeyed  the  ordor  of  there  own  officer  when 
he  gave  the  word,  the  event  was  that  the  oficer  & 
34  of  the  Guard  were  made  prifoners  — 

"  Thefe  Sir  are  the  Services  which  Cap*  Goodale 
&  his  frinds  concive  have  meritted  more  attention 
then  have  ben  paid  to  them,  and  at  Laest  merit  a 
Majority  as  much  as  Major  Sumners  unfiaccefsfull 
command  of  a  boate  a  few  months  on  Lake  Cham- 
plain.  —  but  if  the  tables  are  reversed  &  the  ill  Luck 
of  a  brave  man  Should  be  the  only  recommenda- 
tion to  promotion,  Cap*  Goodale  I  believe  has  as 
great  pretentions  as  most  men  —  for  he  is  the  un- 
fortunate officer,  who  commanded  about  40  white 
men  and  being  joined  by  about  the  Same  number 
of  Indians  fought  more  then  1000  of  the  enemy  be- 


MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM        73 

"below  Voluntines  hill  in  1778  untill  neer  two  thirds 
"  were  killed,  himfelf  &  most  of  the  rest  made  pris- 
"  oners  —  but  I  mention  this  not  So  much  to  Show 
"  his  bravery,  for  he  takes  no  merit  from  that  action 
"he  always  Lemented  the  necefsity  he  was  under 
"  from  the  ordors  he  received  to  do  what  he  did.  in 
"  writeing  to  me  on  the  fubject  he  Sais  "  at  this  time 
"  "  a  number  of  brave  men  were  Sacrefised  to  bad 
"  "  ordors,  but  as  they  were  not  my  ordors,  I  hope 
"  "  the  candid  do  not  cenfure  me  " 

"  having  Stated  thefe  fact,  I  beg  leve  to  request 
"  your  Excellency  will  Lay  them  before  Congrefs  "  &c 

General  Washington  forwarded  my  Letter  to  the 
Secretary  of  War,  but  as  about  this  time  Congrefs 
came  to  a  refolution  to  raise  the  Rank  of  all  officers 
one  grade  who  had  not  ben  promoted  Sence  there 
entrence  in  to  Service  the  First  of  January  1777  Ma- 
jor Goodale  recived  promotion  with  the  rest,  &  thus 
never  had  that  justice  don  him,  which  he  So  highly 
Merited  — 

the  worthy  Kusesko  the  famous  Polander  was  at 
the  head  of  the  Engineer  department  in  Gates  army  ; 
we  advised  togather  with  refpect  to  the  works  necef- 
sery  to  be  thrown  up  for  the  defence  of  the  Camp  but 
he  had  the  over  Sight  in  executing  them.  I  therefore 
have  no  claim  to  extra  Servnce  this  year,  nor  did  I 
recive  any  perticuler  notice  from  Gen^  Gates,  after 
the  capture  of  Burgoyne  Nixsons  Brigade  went  into 
Winter  Quarters  at  Albany  — 

1778  Some  time  in  January  (I  believe)  I  was  re- 
quested by  Gen^  Putnam  &  Govenor  Clinton  to  re- 
pair to  West  point  to  Superintend  the  Fortifications 
proposed  to  be  erected  there,  my  answer  was  that  I 
could  not  consent  to   go  unlefs  my  regiment  went 


74        MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM 

with  me,  or  that  I  Should  not  leave  my  regiment 
without  the  exprefs  ordors  of  Gen^  Wafhington.  — 

there  had  ben  a  French  Engineer  Sent  to  Lay  out 
&  Superintend  the  fortifications  proposed  to  be 
erected  at  West  point,  but  his  plans  were  intirely 
disapproved  of  by  Govenor  Clinton  &  the  General 
officers,  and  hence  arofe  the  confusion  &  delay  men- 
tioned in  General  Walhingtons  Letter  to  Congrefs  of 
the  if^  of  March  1778  — 

Feb^  jst  jyyg  J  succeeded  to  the  command  of  the 
troops  in  the  Northen  deparpment  by  the  departure 
of  Col°  Graton  to  Vifit  his  family,  the  ordors  which 
he  left  me  were  no  other  then  a  copy  of  the  ordors 
of  Congrefs  directing  the  commanding  officer  at 
Albany,  to  forward  Stores  of  Various  kinds  to  Co,os  — 
five  regiments  befide  Nixons  Brigade  were  to  hold 
them  Selves  in  readinefs  for  the  invasion  of  Cannada, 
&  all  to  Randezvouse  at  Onion  river  by  the  20^^  of 
February,  except  Col°  Bedles  regiment  who  was  to 
March  by  the  way  of  Co,os  —  &  Sixty  days  provisions 
for  three  thousand  men.  I  did  not  thank  Col°  Graton 
for  Sliping  his  neck  out  of  this  difficulty.  I  was  Sen- 
sible it  was  totaly  impofsible,  with  naked  men  in  a 
deep  Snow  to  acomplish  any  part  of  the  plan,  how- 
ever as  far  as  depended  on  me  it  was  my  duty  to 
obay  ordors  —  Col°  Hazen  who  was  appointed  Q — r 
M.  G  Soon  arrived,  he  required  a  detachment  to  Set 
out  imediately  to  open  a  roade.  I  denied  him  on  the 
ground  of  the  depth  of  the  Snow,  the  inclemency  of 
the  Season  &  the  destitute  Situation  of  the  men  with 
refpect  to  Cloathing 

about  the  10'^  or  12^^  of  February,  the  Marquis,  de 
la  Fayette  arrived,  who  was  to  command  the  expidi- 
tion,  togather  with  the  Baron  de  Kalb  —  (Gen^  Con- 
way had  arrived  before  them) 


MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM        75 

on  the  arrivel  of  the  Marques  the  troops  were  re- 
viewed by  him,  &  everery  enquiery  made  which  he 
thought  necefsary  to  form  an  opinion  on  the  Subject, 

&  finally  the  expidition  was  Laid  afide the 

"  plan  "  Sais  Marfhal  "  was  matured  in  Congrefs,  and 
"  the  board  of  war,  without  confulting  the  Commander 
•'  in  chief "    See  Voll  —  3  page  345  — 

Sometime  in  the  month  of  March  I  was  ordored 
with  my  regiment  down  to  west  point,  and  when  I 
came  there  I  found  the  object  to  be  what  I  Suspected. 
viz  to  Lay  out  and  Superintend  the  Fortifications 
necefary  to  be  conflructed  there  for  the  defence  of 
that  importent  post  — 

General  M"^Dougal  arrived  there  about  the  Same 

time  to  take  the  command my  French  Brother 

Engineer,  whith  whome  Govenor  Clinton  &  General 
Putnam  had  Quereled  was  gon  &  his  Fort  marked 
out  on  the  extreme  point  next  the  river  &  commanded 
by  the  adjacent  high  ground  was  abandoned,  a  Bat- 
tery at  this  place  to  anoy  the  Shiping  in  case  they 
Should  come  up  &  attempt  to  turn  the  point  &  force 
the  Boom  was  Judged  Sufficient,  and  for  a  defence 
against  an  attack  by  Land,  a  number  of  Small  works 
or  chain  of  Forts  &  Redouts,  were  Laid  out  on  the 
high  grounds  bordering  the  plain,  which  forms  the 
point,  one  in  perticuler  built  by  my  own  regiment  & 
by  Gen^  M'^Dougal  named  Fort  Putnam  —  is  on  a 
high  hill,  or  rather  rock,  which  commands  the  plane 
&  point,  the  rock  on  the  Side  next  the  point  is  not 
difficult  to  assend  but  on  the  other  Side  where  the 
fort  Stands  the  rock  is  50  feet  perpendiculer.  this 
Fort  was  after  wards  much  improved  &  is  capable  of 
being  made  a  very  Strong  place 

I  remained  at  West  point  untill  Some  time  in  June, 
when  I  joined  the  army  under  Genera  Gates  neer 


76        MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM 

Peekskill  —  this  army  formed  a  juntion  with  the  grand 

army  at  White  plains,  the  23^  or  24*''  of  July 

While  the  army  Lay  at  White  plains  I  did  no  extra 
duty  except  that  by  the  ordor  of  the  Commander  in 
Chief  I  explored  the  country  about  Fradericlburgh 
Quaker  hill  &c  &c 

the  army  left  White  plains  the  16*^  of  September  & 
the  Several  divisions  took  different  pofitions,  that  of 
Gen^  Gates,  in  which  I  was  were  posted  at  Danbury 
in  Connecticut,  Nixfons  Brigade  Lay  for  a  time  at 
Woodbury.  I  was  directed  by  Gen^  M^'Dougal  to  ex- 
amin  the  Roads  &  pafses  from  New  Millford  Leading 
eastward  which  having  attended  to  in  part  I  made 
my  report  to  him.  Soon  after  I  recived  the  following 
Letter  from  Gen^  Wafhington  — 

"Head  Quarters  9""  of  October  1778 
Sir 

"  I  have  perused  your  report  of  this  day  to  Gen^ 
"  M^'Dougal  you  will  continue  your  examination  of 
"  the  different  roads  and  reconnoiter  the  most  con- 
"  venient  halting  places  on  each  alowing  the  intervel 
"  of  one  days  march  from  one  to  the  other,  &  make 
"  report  of  the  whole  to  me,  that  I  may  be  enabled 
**  to  regulate  the  different  routs  — 

'*  The  road  towards  Litchfield  offers  from  your  ac- 
"  count   of   it   to   be  worth  attention,  &  Col°  Hale 

"  Should  be  directed  to  proceed  on  it  accordingly 

I  am  Sir 

Your  obedient  Servent 
G'  Washington 
Col*'  Putnam 

the  following  is  the  report  I  made  on  that  oca- 
tion 


MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM        77 

Fredericksburgh  October  15*"  1778 
"  Dear  General 

"  Imediately  after  writeing  to   Gen^  M'^Dougal 

"on  the  9^^  inllent —  I  Set  out  for  Major  Grosvenors 

"  party  on  the  road  to  Farmington  (by  Woodbury, 

"&  Waterbury,  &  returned  yesterday  to  New  Mil- 

"  ford,  (by  Litchfield)  where  Col°  Hale  delivered  me 

"  your  Excellencies  Letter  of  the  9*^  instent  had  I 

"  recived  this  Letter  before  I  Seet  out  from  L*  Col° 

"  Hales  Camp  I  Should  have  ben  more  perticuler 

"  in  Noteing  the  most  convenient  halting  places  — 

"  however  I  did  attend  to  this  circumstance  fo  much, 

"  that  I  believe  the  following  report  has  no  errors 

"  meterial  to  the  Service  — 

"From  the  Park,  by  head  Quarters,  to  Deacon 

"  Galers  13  mile,  good  Stage  for  encamping.  Wood, 

"  Water,  &  Forage  — 

"then  to  Shawam  river  12  mile,  pafsing  Newmilford 

"  at  7     convenient  for  halting  &c  — 

"then  to  Woodbury  9  mile,  no  fupply  of  forrage 

"  between 

"then   to   Waterbury    10  mile.-  very   Little   forage 

"  between. 

"From   thence  to   Southington  Meeting  house   11 

"  mile.  Forage,  and  I  believe  wood  in  the  neighbor- 

"  hood  of  this  place. 

"  then  to  Farmington  9  mile     wood  Water  &  forag 

"  plenty  before  entering  the  town.  —  on  this  rout  the 

"  road  is  very  good  20.  mile  to  New  Milford  the  hills 

"  very  few  &  of  easy  assent  —  from  thence  to  Wood- 

"  bury    very    hilly   but    otherwise    tollerable  —  the 

"  Shawam  river  is  about  40  feet  wide,  has  no  bridge, 

"  &  in  Low  water  the  ford  is  rather  deep,  and  sence 

"  the  Late  rains  would  wet  the  bagage  in  wagons. 

"  I  am  told  there  is  a  bridge  about  one  mile  above 


78        MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM 

"  pafsable  only  for  footmen  —  from  Woodbury  to  wa- 
"  terbury,  the  road  is  ruff,  but  not  very  wet — from 
"  thence  7  mile  is  rockey  &  wet.  on  this  part  I  Left 
"Major  Grosvenor  at  work  on  monday  Last,  (from 
"  whence  he  will  repair  the  road  back  again  to  New 
"  Milford)  the  roads  from  this  to  Farmington  need- 
"  ing  no  repair,  Major  Grosvenor  within  two  or  three 
"  days  will  be  at  Shawam  river,  — 

I  would  fuggest  whether  it  will  not  be  best  to  build 
"a  Bridge  at  that  place,  which  would  be  Soon 
"  effected,  provided  the  town  of  Woodbury  were 
"  requested  to  afsist  with  ox  teams  and  timber,  and 
*'  eight  or  ten  carpenters  ordored  to  join  Major  gros- 
"  venor  — 

"  From  New  Milford  by  Litchfield  to  Farmington, 
"  Wood,  water,  &  forage  may  be  had  in  any  place, 
"  within  a  mile  or  two  one  way  or  the  other,  untill 
"you  are  past  Herington  within  12  mile  of  Farm- 
"ington.  part  of  this  12  mile  is  very  bad  road, 
"  needs  much  repair,  and  the  meadows  going  into 
"  Farmington  utterly  impafsabell  for  footmen  at  this 
"  time  on  account  of  the  Late  freshet.  So  that  in  the 
"  present  Sittuation  the  rout  by  Woodbury  to  Farm- 
"  ington  is  much  the  best  — 

"  If  a  Collum  Should  march  by  Springfield^  the 
"best  rout  for  carrages  is  by  New  Mlford,  Litch- 
"  field,  Herington,  Symsbury,  Suffield  &  then  Spring- 
"  field  — 

"  on  this  rout.  Mount  Tom,  6  mile  on  this  side  Litch- 
"  field  is  the  only  hill  that  is  very  bad  — 

"  L*  Col°  Hale  is  going  on  to  repair  the  road  from 
"  New  Milford  to  Litchfield,  which  will  take  him  five 
"or  Six  days  — 

"  The  party  that  was  ordored  by  Bulls  Iron  works 
"  have  don  very  Little  — 


MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM        79 

"  If  Col°  Hale  is  to  repair  the  road  from  Litch- 
"  field  to  Farmington,  or  to  Symsbury,  the  rout  to 
"Springfield,  it  will  be  necessary  he  Should  have 
"  further  ordors,  otherwise  I  prefume  he  will  Stop  at 
"  Litchfield  — 
"  Gen^  Washington  I  am  &c 

By  General  Wafhingtons  Letter  to  Congrefs  of  the 
27*^^  of  November  1778  it  appears  that  the  Several 
cantoonments  of  the  Army  for  the  Winter  had  ben 
fixed  on,  —  previous  to  this  at  the  request  of  General 
Greene  the  Qr-M  General  I  made  a  tour  with  him 
for  that  purpos  through  Several  dillricts,  perticulerly 
about  the  North  river  &c  — 

Late  in  December  Gen^  Nixsons  Brigade  arrived 
on  the  ground  afsigned  them  for  Hutting  in  the  high- 
lands, on  the  road  from  Peaks  kill  to  Fishkill  — 

Gen'  Nixson  Left  the  Brigade  while  at  Woodbury 
in  Connecticut  &  Col°  Graton  Soon  after  our  arrivel 
on  the  Ground  for  Hutting,  So  that  as  Last  Winter 
the  command  of  the  Brigade  fell  again  on  me 
1779  —  about  the  First  of  February,  the  Brigade  were 
ordored  to  Leave  there  Quarters.  Gratons  tok  post 
at  Crom  pond,  Nixons  at  Vanplanks  point.  I  was 
ordored  down  to  Colla-beargh,  with  my  regiment, 
to  build  a  Bridge  over  Croton  river,  the  Command 
was  agreable,  &  the  troops  well  accommodated  in 
Houfes  —  but  it  was  extra  Sevice  when  the  work 
was  compleated,  about  the  Letter  end  of  March  I 
had  Leave  of  absence  to  visit  my  Family  which 
I  had  not  Seen  Sence  December  1777 

June  i^*  1779  Fort  Fayette  on  Vanplank  point  was 
taken  by  the  British.  See  —  Marfhalls  L  of  W    Voll 
4  page  58. 
I  returned  to  Camp  Some  time  in  June  &  in  a  few 


8o        MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM 

days  after  recived  the  follow  ordors  from  Gen' 
Heath.  — 

"  Highlands  Danforths  House  June  29""  1779 
"Sir 

I  am  very  defirous  if  pofsible  to  obtain  the  exact 
"  lituation  of  the  enemy  on  Vanplanks  point  &  of  the 
"Vessels  in  the  river,  as  you  are  well  acquainted 
"  with  the  Ground  on  both  Sides  of  the  river,  I  would 
"request  that  you  would  to  morrow,  reconnoiter  the 
"  enemy  with  due  precaution,  and  make  Such  remarks 
"  as  you  may  think  proper,  you  will  take  a  part,  or 
"  the  whole  of  your  own  Light  Company  as  a  guard.^ 
"  your  knowledge  of  the  country  &  abilities  render 
"perticular  inftructions  unnecefsary"  &c  &c 

yours  &c 

W^  Heath 
Col°  Putnam 

to  execute  this  ordor  I  had  to  March  through  the 
mountains  neer  20  miles  in  an  unfrequented  rout  to 
prevent  discovery  &  lie  concealed  in  the  woods  untill 
I  had  effected  the  object  which  was  effected  but  re- 
port has  ben  lost  or  mislade,  that  is  the  Copy  — 

"  Colonel  Putnam  has  permifsion  to  take  as  many 
"  men  as  he  chueses  of   his  own  regiment,  or  any 
"  other    for    Special   Services  —  and    to    pafs    all 
"Guards  — 
"July  9tJ»  1779—  G*  Washington 

The  Service  here  intended  was  to  examin  the  eni- 
mies  works  on  Vanplanks  point  —  I  Set  out  from 

1  Omitted  in  General  Putnam's  transcription  :  — 

"  which  you  will  request  of  General  Nixon,  and  proceed  down  the  River  in 
Boats.  I£  you  think  the  best  view  can  be  had  from  the  Dunderberg,  you 
will  land  at  or  near  Fort  Montgommery  —  " 


MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM        8i 

conftitution  Island,  opposit  West  point,  in  the  after- 
noon of  the  lo'*'  with  50  men  &  reached  Continantal 
Village  about  Sunset  and  after  dark  I  proceeded  by 
a  back  road  to  a  point  where  I  concealed  my  party 
in  the  woods,  intending  the  next  morning  to  examin 
the  works,  but  Soon  after  we  halted  a  very  heavy  rain 
Set  in  which  continued  all  night,  &  all  the  next  day. 
the  morning  after  we  concealed  our  Selves  in  a  barn, 
the  next  morning  July  12*^  was  fair  but  our  arms  and 
amunition  were  So  wet  that  they  were  intirely  ule- 
lefs.  I  retired  to  a  deserted  house,  were  we  built 
fires,  brook  up  our  Catrages  dryed  what  powder  was 
not  wholey  destryed,  &  cleaned  our  arms,  many  of 
which  we  were  obliged  to  unbritch. — 

We  were  in  this  disarmed  &  defencelefs  State  from 
early  in  the  morning  untill  the  midle  of  the  after- 
noon. 

apprehensive  the  enemy  might  have  got  know- 
ledge from  Some  of  the  inhabitence,  who  probably 
must  have  Seen  us  I  marched  the  party  directly 
along  the  great  road  (in  Sight  of  the  enmies  block 
house)  towards  Peaks  kill,  and  when  at  a  convenient 
place  I  turned  into  the  woods  again,  where  I  con- 
cealed the  party  untill  toward  morning,  when  I  took 
them  onto  the  Ground  neer  to  where  I  posted  myfelf 
to  take  obfervations,  which  having  compleated  I  re- 
turned July  13*^  to  Camp  — 

July  14*^  I  went  up  to  New  Windsor  &  made  my 
report  to  General  Wafhington  ^  — 

Marfhall  in  his  L,  of  W.  VoU  4  —  page  70  —  tells 
us  that  "  Two  Brigades  under  the  command  of 
"  Gen^  M'^Dougal  had  ben  ordored  to  aproach  the 
•'  enimy  on  the  east  Side  of  the  r\^er  "  this  ordor  to 
M<=Dougal,  if  ever  given,  I  prefume  was  given  on  the 

1  Page  137. 


82         MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM 

morning  of  the  I5*^  for  the  following  reafons.  when 
I  waited  on  General  Washington  on  the  14^^,  to  make 
my  report,  he  informed  me  that  he  had  relinquished 
the  idea  of  a  real  attac  on  Vanplanks  point  at  the 
fame  time  it  was  to  be  made  on  Stoney  point,  but 
intended  the  attac  on  that  point  Should  be  only  a 
faint,  and  for  that  purpos  he  had  ordored  Nixons 
Brigade  to  march  that  day  to  Continanntal  village  — 
he  then  inflructed  me  to  take  as  many  men  from  that 
Brigade  as  I  thought  proper,  &  make  my  arrange- 
ments to  be  on  the  Ground  ready  to  fire  on  the 
enemy  at  Vanplanks  point  the  moment  I  found 
Wayne  had  attacked  Stoney  point,  at  the  Same  time 
the  General  informed  me  that  no  one  kew  of  the  in- 
tended attack  but  those  who  had  the  charge  of  its 
execution,  that  but  one  of  his  own  family  was  let  into 
the  Secret  —  I  had  not  the  Lest  doubt,  but  the  Bri- 
gade had  Marched  that  afternoon  but  when  I  re- 
turned to  the  camp  (after  Sunset)  I  found  them  Still 
there,  on  enquiring  the  reason  why  they  had  not 
Marched,  Nixon  told  me  he  had  obtained  leave  from 
Gen^  M'^Dougal  to  delay  his  march,  &  on  enquiring 
what  time  he  would  march  in  the  Morning  he  in- 
formed me  he  Should  Send  on  a  Guard  of  50  men 
according  to  his  engagement  to  Gen^  M'^Dougal.  I 
was  excedingly  perplexed  to  know  how  to  act,  on 
the  whole  I  told  him  I  was  charged  with  executing 
a  Special  Service  &  requested  him  to  increase  the 
detachment  to  100  men  under  the  command  of  a 
Feld  officer,  &  that  they  Should  march  very  early  in 
the  Morning  to  continantal  Village  — 

July  is^^  General  Wafhington  came  down  early 
to  West  point,  &  Col°  Tillman  came  to  the  Island  to 
enquire  why  Nixsons  Brigade  had  not  marched  the 
day  before.    I  gave  him  an  account  of  what  I  had 


MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM        83 

ben  don,  &  Soon  after  Set  out  after  the  detachment 
which  had  marched  under  the  command  of  U  Colo- 
nel Smith  :  I  remained  at  the  village  untill  night,  & 
then  made  Such  arrangments  as  I  thought  proper 
to  fulfill  the  intention  of  the  General.  —  as  Soon  as 
I  Saw  that  Wayne  had  commenced  his  attack  on 
Stoney  point  we  fiered  on  there  out  Block  house,  & 
guard  at  the  creek  &  thus  alarmed  the  Garrison  on 
Vanplanks  point,  which  was  the  only  object  contem- 
plated for  that  night. 

July  16*^  I  remaind  this  morning  in  full  view 
of  the  enimy  untill  eight  or  nine  oClock  —  when  I 
marched  up  to  continantal  village,  where  in  the 
course  of  the  day,  Nixsons  &  Pattesons  Brigades 
arrived  but  without  there  Feld  peaces  artillerymen 
or  fo  much  as  an  ax  or  Spade,  or  any  ordors  what 
they  were  to  do  —  about  10  oClock  at  night  General 
How  arrived,  to  take  the  command,  he  called  on  me 
for  information.  I  told  him  the  troops  had  brought 
no  artillery  with  them,  which  in  my  opinion  was 
Necefsary  on  account  of  a  Block  which  Stood  in  the 
way  of  our  approach  to  the  main  work  on  the  point. 
Nor  had  they  brought  any  axes,  or  entrenching  tools, 
&  that  it  was  impofsible  to  crofs  the  Creek  without 
rebuildinging  the  bridge  which  had  ben  dellroyed  — 

July  1 7^*^  Sometime  about  the  midle  of  the  day  two 
twelve  pounders  arrived,  and  a  few  axes  were  col- 
lected I  believe  from  the  inhabitents  and  a  Bridge 
was  begun,  or  proposed  to  be  bugun.  I  cannot  Say 
how  far  the  preparations  had  advanced  before  we 
were  allaramed  by  the  advance  of  a  British  party  by 
the  way  of  Croton,  on  which  we  retreated  — 

These  are  the  facts  which  fell  within  my  own 
knowledge  refpecting  the  movements  made  against 
Vanplanks  point.  —  Marfhalls  reprefentation  of  the 


84        MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM 

delays,  implies  a  heavey  cenfure  on  Gen^  M^Dougal. 
for  acording  to  him,  Gen*  M'^Dougal  was  perfonally 
with  two  Brigades  "  ordered  to  approach  the  enimy 
"  on  the  east  Side  of  the  river  So  as  to  be  in  readi- 
"nefs  to  attempt  the  work  on  Vanplank^"  and  that 
in  this  Sittuation  Wayns  Mefsenger  was  to  find  him, 
and  again  that  "  Gen'  How  was  ordored  to  take  the 
command  of  Gen*  M'^Dougal's  detachment" —  now 
as  Gen'  McDougal  Never  did  March  with  the  detach- 
ment, and  General  How  was  afterwards  (acording 
to  Marfhall)  ordored  to  take  the  command,  it  fol- 
lows, if  this  Statement  be  correct  General  M'^Dougal 
must  be  highly  cenfuerable,  but  I  believe  this  to  be 

very  incorrect I  believe  Gen'  M^'Dougal  never 

was  ordored  to  march  with  those  two  Brigades,  my 
reafons  are  these,  first  I  know  him  So  well  that  had 
he  ben  ordored  to  March,  he  certainly  would  have 
obeyed  —  again  had  he  disobeyed  Such  an  ordor,  no 
doubt  but  he  would  have  ben  arested,  &  we  Should 
have  haeard  of  it 

But  what  is  much  more,  it  must  be  remembred  that 
Gen'  M'^Dougal  was  at  that  very  time  Commander  in 
chief  of  West  point  and  its  dependencies  —  and  can 
any  man  having  any  knowledge  of  that  place  &  of 
the  high  importence  with  which  it  was  confidered  by 
the  Commander  in  chief  believe  that  he  would  have 
ordored  Gen'  M*=Dougal  to  leave  that  importent  post 
&  March  to  attack  Van  plank  point.  I  believe  not 
—  General  Wafhington  could  not  commit  Such  an 
error 

I  Supose  the  fact  to  be  this,  that  on  the  morning 
of  the  15^*^  when  General  Wafhington  came  down 
to  West  point,  as  before  noted,  he  ordored  Gene' 
M'^Dougal  to  detach,  Nixsons  &  Patterfons  Brigades 
to  the  continental  villege,  &  that  General  Wafhington 


MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM        85 

expected  they  would  reach  it  that  Same  evening, 
which  I  believe  they  did  not  however  they  must 
have  left  the  point  on  the  15*^  or  they  could  not  have 
arrived  at  the  villege  So  Soon  as  they  did  on  the 

but  why  they  came  without  any  artillery,  axes,  & 
intrenching  tools,  or  any  Comding  General,  or  ordors 
how  to  employ  them  felves  are  qustions  I  am  not  able 
to  Solve  — 

in  a  few  days  afthe  this  businefs  was  over  I  was 
apointed  to  the  Command  of  a  Regiment  of  Light 
Infentr}^  the  whole  corps  consisted  of  4  Regiments 
of  2  Battallions  each,  the  whole  Commanded  by 
General  Wayne  —  in  this  Corps  I  continued  untill  the 
army  Went  into  Winter  Quarters  the  December  fol- 
lowing, indeed  our  Corps  did  not  break  up  camp 
untill  January  1780  —  when  my  regiment  had  a  very 
tedious  march  from  Second  river  neer  Newark  in  the 
Jerfies  to  there  Quarters  at  West  point,  the  High 
Lands  &c 

I  was  ordored  on  but  two  peaces  of  extra  Ser- 
vice during  my  continuence  in  the  Light  infentry 
Corps  — 

one  was  in  august,  by  ordor  of  General  Wafhing- 
ton,  to  erect  a  Batterry  at  the  place  of  old  Fort 
Gommery  for  the  anouence  of  Ships  coming  up  the 
river  —  & 

December  14*'^  I  made  a  tour  by  ordor  of  Gen^ 
Wayne  to  South  Amboy,^  having  an  officer  &  eight 
Dragoons  to  attend  me,  for  the  purpos  of  reconnoi- 
tering  a  British  fleat  that  Lay  there,  and  to  afsertain 
if  pofsible  the  time  of  there  Sailmg  this  was  a  tedious 
Cold  jorney  &  Somwhat  arduous,  we  were  obliged 
to  return  by  the  way  of  New  Brunswck — 

1  Page  141. 


86    MEMOIRS  OF  RUFUS  PUTNAM 

1780  January  —  Some  time  about  the  Last  of  this 
month,  I  had  leve  of  absence  to  vifit  my  family,  and 
returned  to  Camp  about  the  midle  of  April,  and  I 
find  by  my  corispondenc  with  General  How,  that  I 
was  on  command  about  Croton  river  &c  as  early  as 
the  6*''  of  May,  &  continued  out  to  the  27^^  of  July  — 
this  kind  of  Servis,  in  one  Sence  is  Not  properly  etra, 
because  every  officer  is  Liable  to  be  detailed,  to  per- 
form it  as  a  tour  of  duty,  however  in  another  Sence 
it  may  properly  be  called  Extra,  becaus  it  is  far  mre 
feteauging  Slavish,  hazardous,  &  requiring  much 
Greater  vigilence,  then  the  common  rotean  duty 
performed  with  the  army,  besides  the  commanding 
officer  of  Such  a  detachment  is  Generally  if  not  al- 
ways appointed  Specially  to  his  command,  by  the 
General,  &  hence  it  is  always  elleamed  very  honora- 
ble, how  far  I  discharged  my  duty  while  on  this 
Service,  with  honor  to  my  Self  &  Satisfaction  to  my 
General,  the  Letters  between  General  How  &  my  Self 
will  Show,  if  confulted  ^ 

about  the  time  I  was  releaved,  the  Grand  army 
crofsed  the  North  river  &  encamped  first  at  orang- 
town,  then  at  the  English  Neighbourhood,  &c  &  — 

about  the  first  of  October  I  had  Leave  of  abfence 
&  did  not  join  the  army  again  untill  the  end  of  Cam- 
paign viz.  about  the  first  of  December.  — 

1781-July  6*^'  The  French  army  under  count  De 
Rochambeau  formed  a  juntion  with  American  army, 
Neer  Dobbs  Ferry  — 

august  19*^  the  French  army,  &  that  part  of  the 
American  army  distinated  for  Virginia  commenced 
crofsing  the  North  river  and  on  the  21st  Gen^ 
Heath  issued  ordors  of  which  the  following  are  ex- 
tracts — 

1  Pages  147-177. 


MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM        87 

"Head  Quarters  neer  Youngs,  august  21''  1781 

"  three  hundred  rank  &  file,  Infentry,  properly  of- 
"  fiered  Col°  Sheldens  Legionary  Corps,  Cap*  Sack- 
"  ets  &  Capt  Ritlium  [  ?  ]  Companies,  of  New  York 
"  Li  vies,  are  to  form  a  detachment  to  cover  this  part 
"  of  the  country,  in  front  of  the  Army  —  Col°  Putnam 
"will  take  the  command  of  this  detachment  untill 
"  further  orders  — 

"  Captain  Donal,  will  give  one  of  his  three  pound- 
"  ers  futably  Maned,  for  Col°  Putnams  detachment " 

on  this  command  I  was  keept  out,  untill  Late  in  Oc- 
tober or  the  begining  of  November  the  persise  time 
I  cannot  affertain,  as  I  keept  no  journal,  &  a  part  of 
the  Letters  which  pafsed  between  us  being  Lost,  how- 
ever enough  remain  on  file  to  Show  Somthing  of  the 
nature  of  the  Service  I  was  performing,  &  how  far 
my  conduct  was  approved  by  Gen'  Heath  ^  — 

while  I  was  on  this  Command  I  was  honored  with 

A  Letter  from  Gen'  Waterbury  of  which  the  following 

are  Extracts  — 

"  HoRSENECK  September  13th  1781 

"  Sir.   after  my  complements  I  would  inform  you,  that 

"  I  have  recived  ordors  from  his  Excellency  Govenor 

'*  Trumbull,  to  build  Some  places  of  Security  for  my 

"  troops  to  winter  in,  and  at  the  Same  time  he  would 

"  recommend  it  to  me,  to  ask  the  favor  of  you  to  Lend 

"  your  afsistence  in  counceling  with  me  where  it  is 

"best  to  build,"  &c 2 

1  Pages  183-198. 

2  Omitted  in  General  Putnam's  transcription  :  — 

"  Sd  place  of  Security  for  the  Winter  that  Shall  Sarve  Best  for  the  publick 
Good  and  for  the  Security  of  the  troops  in  General  :  &  you  may  Be  asured 
I  Shold  take  It  as  a  Great  favour  If  I  Cold  obtain  your  Judgement  in  the 
mator  and  hope  I  Shall  have  the  pleasure  of  Seeing  you  in  a  Day  or  to  If 
Nothing  Extraordinary  prevents  —  and  am  Dear  Coll  With  Great  Esteme 

Yours  to  Sarve 

David  Waterbury  — 

Coll    PUTMAN — " 


88        MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM 

I  made  the  tour  agreable  request  &c  — 
A  few  days  after  I  joined  my  regiment  at  West  point, 
I  recived  the  following  ordor  from  Gen^  M"'Dougal  — 

West  point  November  14th  1781  — 
Sir 

"  General  M^'Dougal  requests  you  to  repair  to 
"  Stoney  &  Vanplanks  points,  and  examin  minutly 
"into  there  State  in  every  refpect  —  the  Sentry  boxes 
"at  those  advanced  works  Should  be  deilroyed  — 
**  every  building  within  cannon  range  of  either  of 
"  those  posts,  and  any  cover  that  would  aford  a  Lodg- 
"  ment  for  the  enemy  must  be  taken  down  &  removed 
"  before  you  leave  the  ground. 

"you  will  please  to  have  the  Garisons  paraded, 
"  and  note  every  person  and  the  regiments  they  be- 
"  long  to,  unfit  for  this  Service  "  ^  &c 

This  was  the  Last,  Extra  Military  Service  which  I 
was  ordored  on,  that  I  Shall  mention 

But  there  were  Some  other  Services  which  I  was 
called  too  which  tend  to  Show  in  what  estemation 
my  character  was,  with  my  Brother  officers  in  Gen- 
eral, in  other  refpects  not  Military  which  I  Shall  now 
take  Notice  of 

1  Omitted  in  General  Putnam's  transcription  :  — 

"  Eftimate  what  quantity  of  wood  will  be  necefsary  for  each  Garrison, 
making  a  propor  allowance  for  cooking  in  the  trenches,  from  the  i"  of 
December,  to  the  i"  of  April  next.  Determin  what  number  of  fireplaces 
will  be  necefsary  for  the  Ferry  men,  and  the  Q  :  Master  M'  Kiree  [?]  , 
and  calculate  for  wood,  for  them  upon  the  fame  fcale  as  you  do  for  the 
Garrisons  —  If  there  fhould  be  a  furplufage  of  wood  at  the  Posts  give  an 
order  on  them,  to  the  Q.  Master  for  the  fupply  of  his  department  — 

Report  to  the  General  on  your  return  what  ever  f  hall  appear  necefsary 

By  command  of  Gen'  M''Dougall 
Col"  Putnam  E.  Haskell 

Di  A.  G  " 


MEMOIRS  OF  RUFUS  PUTNAM    89 

"  At  a  meeting  of  the  field  &  other  officers  in  Gen^ 
"  Nixons  Brigade  September  9*^  1778 

"  Col°  Rufus  Putnam  was  Unanimously  chosen 
"  Representative  to  meet  in  a  general  convention  of 
**  the  army,  to  State  our  Grievances  to  the  honorable 
"  continantal  Congrefs,  &  endevor  to  obtain  redrefs 
"  of  the  Same 

"  per  order  of  the  Meeting 

"  Thomas  Nixon  Co1°  Moderator 

My  Letter  on  file,  to  Deacon  Davis  of  Boston  dated 
March  21  1779,  will  Show  what  exertions  I  made  to 
prevent  a  Muteny  breaking  out  in  the  Mafsachufetts 
Line,  and  claim  on  the  State,  in  behalf  of  the  Soldier 
for  relief  —  in  that  letter  is  inclosed  the  Muteny  ar- 
ticls.  the  time  fixed  for  the  Brigade  to  march  of  in  a 
body  was  the  lo**^  of  February,  belides  the  meafures 
taken  with  them  as  detailed  in  my  Letter  to  Deacon 
Davis,  I  took  the  further  precaution  to  make  a  con- 
fidential communiation  of  the  afair  to  Gen'  M^'Dougal 
&  made  a  request  that  he  would  ordor  the  Several 
regiments,  each  to  occupy  a  Seperate  post  toward 
New  york.  this  request  he  complied  with,  and  thus 
it  was  put  out  of  there  power  to  execute  the  plan 
they  had  formed,  or  at  lest  not  So  well  as  they 
might  have  don  had  they  remained  to  gather  in  there 
Hutts  — 

In  page  115  [86]  I  have  mentioned  that  in  January 
1780  I  had  leve  of  absence  &  returned  in  April  to 
Camp  — 

in  this  period  a  Large  portion  of  my  time  was 
Spent  in  Boston,  Soliciting  the  General  Court  to  grant 
Some  releaf  to  the  Mafachufetts  line  of  the  army,  and 
efpecially  for  the  oficers,  prifoners  on  Long  Island, 
for  them  a  Small  releif  was  obtained,  for  which  I  had 


90        MEMOIRS  OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM 

there  thanks  for  the  afsistence  I  had  given  there 
agent  —  See  Col"  Thompsons  Letter  dated  at  Long 
Island  May  i  —  1 780  ^  —  but  for  the  troops  in  General 
northing  was  don  to  purpos  —  or  that  gave  the  Com- 
mitte  of  the  army  Satisfaction  — ,  therefore  neere  the 
clofe  of  the  year  the  Line  of  officers  united  in  apoint- 
ing  a  Committe  to  repair  to  Boston,  &  lay  there 
Complaints  before  the  General  afsembly.^  they  alfo 
apointed  a  Committe  to  inftruct  them  — thefe  inllruc- 
tions  Shew  fo  fully  the  claims  of  the  army  at  that  time, 
I  Shall  record  them,  that  posterity  may  Judge  —  they 
are  as  follows  — 

"  Gentlemen 

"  having  chosen  you  to  appear  in  our 

*  behalf  at  the  General  Afsembly  of  Mafsachusetts 
'  Bay,  with  them  to  Settle  our  accounts  of  pay 
'  cloathing  &c  we  think  it  equally  our  duty  as  it  is 
'  our  right,  to  Give  you  Inllructions  refpecting  the 

*  tranfactions  there  to  be  had :  This  we  do,  not 
'  because  we  doubt  your  understanding  abilities  or 
'  Integrity,  our  choice  of  you  fully  evinces  the  con- 
'  trary  of  that,  but  for  your  own  fatisf action  &  justi- 
'  fication  = 

"  The  Settlement  made  with  us  the  Last  year,  we 

*  apprehend  to  be  Merely  a  partial  one  not  only  as 
'  to  the  fettlement  itfelf,  but  the  mode  in  which  it 

*  was  don,  as  it  was  not  consented  to  by  our  then 
'  Committe  —  you  will  therefore  have  that  to  revise 
'  —  But  there  are  certain  preliminaries  to  be  fettled 

*  before  you  proceed  even  to  that,  which  we  recom- 
'  mend  and  enjoin  on  you,  as  conditions  without 
'  which  you  proceed  not  on  the  bufinefs  committed 

*  to  you  — 

1  Page  146.  2  Page  182. 


MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM        91 

"  I  St  the  town  bounties  given  to  the  Soldiers,  are 
"  not  to  be  deducted  from  there  pay  and  where  this 
"  is  or  has  been  don  Said  bounty  must  be  refunded. 
"  this  is  just  if  we  only  limply  confider  they  were 
"  promised  their  pay,  &  there  bounty  was  given  them 
"  as  an  encouragement  to  Inlist,  not  as  a  part  of  there 

"  pay  advanced 

"  2^^  The  time  of  reciving  our  pay,  not  the  time  when 
'*  it  became  due  (monthly)  must  be  the  period  at 
"  which  the  rate  of  depreciation  must  be  ditermined, 
"  &  your  calculations  made  accordingly.  This  is  just 
"  &  reafonable,  otherwise  we  Loose  by  those  delay  of 
"  payments,  which  our  perfeverance  in  the  cause  of 
"  our  country  forbad  us  to  complain  of  &  resent  — 
"3^  the  extra  pay  allowed  to  officers  in  the  Line 
"  doing  duty  on  the  ilaff,  must  be  made  good  to  them, 
"  upon  the  Same  principles,  &  for  the  Same  reasons, 
"as  there  pay  as  officers  in  the  line  only;  where 
"  it  may  be  disputed  whether  the  Quantum  of  extra 
"pay  refpectively  allowed  fuch  officers  was  ment  to 
"  be  good  money,  you  may  have  recourse  to  the  Late 
"  refolves  of  Congrefs  refpecting  Said  extra  pay, 
*'  which  will  be  to  you  an  indiputable  guide  —  Thefe 
"  preliminaries  thus  Settled  you  will  proceed  to  ad- 
*' justing  an  equel  Scale  of  Depreciation  for  the  pre- 
"  fent  year  —  You  will  pointedly  reprefent  to  the 
**  afsembly  the  Great  inconveniences  &  Lofses, 
"  accrued,  &  accruing  to  great  part,  nay  almost  the 
"whole  of  both  officers  &  Soldiers  from  the  notes 
"  we  recived  the  Last  year,  not  being  negotiable  in 
"  any  maner,  for  any  kind  of  property,  on  which 
"  account  many  were  for  want  of  almost  every  kind 
"  of  cloathing,  obliged  to  Sell  there  notes  at  a  very 
"  great  discount,  from  there  nominal  value  when 
"  given  :  and  by  this  representation  you  will  endevor 


92        MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM 

"  to  procure  an  act  that  will  make  the  notes  already, 
"  and  those  that  fhall  be  given  a  tender  for  the  con- 
•'  fiscated  estates  when  Sold,  or  that  will  in  Some  way 
"  equally  be  benificial  to  the  army  &  the  State,  make 
"them  of  fuch  value  that  those  who  wish  it  may 
"convert  them  into  current  money  without  Lofs  — 

"  You  will  not  on  any  account  agree  to  our  being 
"  charged  with  any  articles  of  cloathing,  or  indeed 
"  anything  else  recived  from  the  continant,  except 
"  our  monthly  pay,  unlefs  we  are  credited,  for  all 
"  deficiences  of  fubsistence,  rations  &  parts  of  rations 
"  —  nor  will  you  agree  to  avarage  the  charge  of 
"  cloathing  delivered  by  the  ftate  for  the  Several  re- 
"  giments,  but  each  officer  must  be  charged  for  the 
"  cloathing  himself  recived.  and  in  case  any  officer 
"  has  drawn  cloathing  he  has  not  delivered  acording 
"  to  the  design  for  which  he  drew  it,  he  alone  must 
"  be  acountable,  except  in  cafes  where  fuch  officer 
"  makes  it  appear,  that  the  Lofs  of  any  in  his  hands 
"  was  inevitable,  then,  &  then  only,  we  agree  to  have 
"  fuch  Lofs  averaged. 

"  You  will  alfo  endever  to  fall  upon  Such  plan,  or 
"  mode  of  delivering  cloathing,  to  the  officers  as  will 
"  prevent  an  unequel  &  partial  delivery,  to  perticuler 
"  regiments,  or  individuals,  who  may  by  there  Local 
"  Sittuation  have  it  in  there  power  to  make  the  earli- 
"  est  application.  — 

"  A  like  equel  &  just  plan  refpecting  both  the 
"  delivery  and  charge  of  the  Small  llores,  you  will 
"  do  well  to  agree  on  — 

"  Thefe  general  principles  we  think  fufficient  to  di- 
"  rect  you  in  the  whole  of  the  bufmefs  you  have  ben 
"  pleased  to  undertake  in  our  behalf,  a  bulinefs  we 
"  know  to  be  attended  with  much  difficulty  &  trouble  : 
"  but  of  this  you  may  be  afsured,  that  the  greater  the 


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MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM         93 

"  Sacrefise  you  make  of  your  private  ease  &  pleafure 
"  to  ferve  us  the  Greater  will  be  our  obligations  to 
"you  — 

"  Confideing  thoroughly  in  your  Good  will  &  abili- 
"ties  to  discharge  the  duties  required  of  you,  we  leve 
"  to  you  to  deduce  from  thefe  general  principles,  rules 
"  for  your  more  perticuler  conduct  not  doubting  but 
'*  the  whole  you  Shall  agree  to  will  give  us  ample 
"  Satisfaction  — 

**  West  point  Jan'^  i^*        "  Signed  by  ordor  of  the 

1 78 1.  officers  of  the  Mafachufetts 

To  the  Hon^^  Brigadier     Line  " 

Gen^  Glover  J.  Graton  Coll  — 


Col°  Putnam  Sam^^  Darby  Maj' 

L*  Colo  Qd  Brooks  S  :  Larned 

Col°  H  Jackson  —  T  Ewards 


0) 


6 

B 
o 
U 


In  the  profecution  of  this  bulinefs,  I  left  West  point 
Sometime  in  January  1781.  Spent  most  of  the  winter 
&  part  of  the  Spring  in  Boston  on  the  objects  of  our 
Mifsion  — 

on  our  arrival  in  Boston  the  alarm  given,  by  the 
Grand  Mutany  in  the  Pennfylvania  &  New  Jerfey 
Lines,  had  Such  a  powerfull  effect  on  the  minds  of 
the  General  afsembly,  that  they  foon  agreed  and  in  a 
fhort  time  actually  Sent  on  Specia  to  the  amount  of 
one,  or  two,  months  pay  for  there  line  of  the  army, 
this  was  a  great  releaf  to  officers  &  Solders,  what 
further  fuccefs  we  had  I  do  nit  recollect,  nor  it  is 
meterial  to  my  purpos,  my  object  being  to  leave  an 
evidence  of  my  ftanding  with  my  Brother  officers  in 
general 

1782  the  State  of  New  york  having  applied  to 
Congrefs  for  pay  for  the  Forrage  confumed  by  the 
allied  army,  in  West  Chester  county  while  encamped 


94        MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM 

neer  Doobs  Ferry  in  1781,  I  was  appointed  one  of 
the  Commifioners  on  that  bufinefs  I  find  by  the  papers 
on  file  that  we  were  appointed  in  Februar  14*'^  1782, 
&  our  report  is  dated  July  2"^.  this  was  not  militar}^ 
Service,  but  it  was  a  bufinefs  of  great  dificulty  to  in- 
vestigate —  &  Shewes  in  what  light  my  character 
then  flood  with  Gen^  Heath  &  Govenor  Clinton,  who 

made  the  appointment 

Some  time  after  the  bufinef  of  the  West  Chester 
forrage  was  fettled  I  had  Leave  of  absence,  &  while 
at  home,  in  September  or  octobe  I  Learned  that 
Congrefs  had  it  in  contemplation  to  reduce  the  army. 
I  was  grown  tiered  of  the  Service,  for  besides  my 
fealings  in  common  with  my  Brother  officers,  as  de- 
pected  by  Gen^  Wafhing  in  his  confidential  Letter  to 
the  Secretary  of  War  See  M  —  L  —  W  Voll  4  page 
524,  I  Say  besides  thefe  circumflancs  in  common  with 
others  —  the  Mafsachufetts  Line  had  ben  ill  treated 
with  refpect  to  the  Brigadier  Generals  of  the  line  not 
being  appointed  as  the  vacancies  to  place  Gen^ 
Learned  refigned  Soon  after  the  capture  of  Burgoyn, 
&  Nixon  in  1 780  Neither  of  which  vacancies  had  ben 
filled.  Graton  &  Shepard  Ranked  before  me,  there- 
fore I  had  no  right  to  complain  for  my  felf,  &  from 
there  past  conduct  I  had  no  reafon  to  expect  they 
would  afsert  there  claim,  or  refigne hence  I  con- 
cluded to  quit  the  Service,  if  I  could  with  honor  —  & 
in  purfuence  of  this  refolution,  I  made  an  agreement 
with  L*  Co^  Commdant  Brooks,  one  of  the  youngest 
officer  in  the  Line,  commanding  a  regiment,  &  who 
of  course  expected  to  be  deranged,  that  he  Should 
remain,  &  I  Should  retire,  which  mode  of  exchange 
had  ben  heretofore  alowed.  under  thefe  circumflance 
I  did  not  return  to  the  army  untill  after  I  recived  the 

following   Letters viz.    Extract   from   Brigadier 

Gen^  Patterfon  Letter 


MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM        95 

'*  Camp  New  Windsor  December  ist  1782  — 
"  Dear  Sir 

"  your  favor  of  the  25**'  ultimo  by  Col°  Brooks  was 
'  duely  recived,  and  althoe  I  can  concive  the  fittuation 

*  and  diagreable  circumllances  of  your  family  oca- 
'  tioned  by  your  continuence  in  the  army,  yet  I  can- 
'  not  but  regreat  your  refolution  to  retire,  and  hope 
'  on  the  receipt  of  this  with  the  enclosure,  you  will 
'  alter  vour  determinations  — 

*'  your  Letters  on  the  fubject  of  retiring  have  ben 
'  handed  to  the  Commander  in  chief,  but  they  were 

*  not  addrefsed  to  him,  and  prior  to  the  receipt  of 

*  them  the  refolve  of  Congrefs  enclosed  arrived,  it  is 
'  impofsible  you  can  be  deranged  except  by  taking 

*  the  fleps  pointed  out  in  the  refolution  &c,  perticulerly 
'  when  you  are  informed  that  on  the  29**^  ultimo  our 
'friend  Col°  Shepard  refigned,  and  in  a  few  days 

*  purpofes  to  Leave  camp,  this  procedure  of  his,  was 
'  in  consequence  of  his  being  disappointment  in  his 
'  expetation  of  preferment  — 

"  you  will  be  considered  as  an  officer  in  the  Line 
'  untill  we  recive  further  directions  from  the  Com- 
'  mander  in  chief,  the  fooner  you  fignefy  your  wishes 
'  &c,  the  better,  for  it  is  fupposed  that  if  you  perfist 

*  in  your  first  refolution,  L*  Col  Smith  who  has  gon 
'^home,  will  be  called  for  again,  to  reafsume  his 
'  former  command.  — 

"  Col°  Shepards  retireing  by  permifsion  of  his 
'  Exelency,  you  percive  gives  Col°  Brooks  his  regi- 

*  ment  again,  &  Leaves  no  vacancy,  unlefs  you 
'  return,  which  cannot  be  filled  at  Lest  not  untill  the 
'first  of  Jan^  next, — vide  the  refolve  of  Congrefs 
'dated  20*^  November  1782  —  "  ^ 

1  Omitted  in  General  Putnam's  transcription  :  — 

"  I  dare  say  you  will  find  no  difficulty  in  obtaining  leave  of  absence  for 


96        MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM 

Letter  from  General  Wafhington  —    follows  — 

"Head  Quarters  New  burgh  December  2^  1782 
Sir 

"  I  am  informed  you  have  had  thoughts  of  retire- 

'  ing  from  fervice,  upon  the  arangement  which  is  to 

'take  place  on  the  i^^  of  January  —  but  as  there  will 

'  be  no  opening  for  it,  unlefs  your  reafons  fhould  be 

'  very  urgent  indeed,  and  as  there  are  Some  prof- 

'  pects  which  may  prehaps  make  your  continuing 

'  more  eligible  then  was  expected,  I  have  thought 

'  proper  to  mention  the  circumflances,  in  expectation 

'  they  might  have  Some  influence  in  inducing  you  to 

*  remain  in  the  army. 

"  Col°  Shepard  having  retired,  and  Brigadier  Gen^ 
'  Patterfon  being  appointed  to  the  command  of  the 

*  i^*  Brigade,  you  will  of  consequence  be  the  Sec- 
'  ond  Col°  in  the  Line,  and  have  the  command  of 
*a  Brigade,  while  the  troops  continue  Brigaded  as 
'at  prefent  — 

"befides  I  consider  it  expedient  you  Should  be 
'acquainted,  that  the  question  is  yet  before  Con- 
'  grels  whether  there  fhall  be  two  Brigadiers  ap- 
'  pointed  in  the  Mafsachufetts  Line.  —  Should  you 
'  continue  you  will  be  a  candidate  for  this  promotion 

the  winter,  as  Lt.  Colo.  Newhall  and  Major  Ashley  were  both  at  home 
the  last  year. 

"  General  Washington,  I  suppose,  will  write  you  by  this  conveyance, 
and  Colo.  Brooks  also. 

"  I  cannot  supply  you  with  any  intelligence  —  only  the  enemy  in  N  York 
seem  to  be  very  busy;  persons  who  know  more  of  their  movements  than 
me,  think  an  evacuation  of  that  city  not  far  off. 

"  Our  hutts,  which  are  allowed  on  all  hands  to  be  the  best  erected  this 
war,  will  be  ready  for  the  reception  of  the  men  in  a  week  — 

"  I  am,  dear  Colonel,  with  the  most  fincere  esteem  and  unalterable 
regard, 

your  friend  and  humble  fervant, 

J  Paterson. 
Col"  Putnam" 


MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM        97 

"  —  the  Secretary  at  war  is  of  opinion  the  promotion 
"  will  foon  take  place ;  ■  whether  it  will  or  not  I  am 
"  not  able  to  ditermin,  and  therefore  I  would  not  flat- 
"  ter  you  too  much  with  expectations,  which  it  is  not 
"  in  my  power  to  Gratify.  —  but  if  upon  a  view  of 
"thefe  circumflances  &  prospects  the  Hate  of  your 
"afairs  will  permit  you  to  continue  in  the  prefent 
'*  arrangment,  (which  must  be  compleated  imediately) 
"  it  will  be  very  ageable  to  Sir, 

your  Mofl  obedient  Servent 

GO  Washington 
Colo  Putnam 

on  the  receipt  of  thefe  Letters,  I  repaired  ime- 
diately to  Camp,  but  being  ditermined  not  to  live  in 
a  fort  of  disgrace,  as  Graton  &  Shepard  had,  by  Con- 
grefs  neglecting  to  promote  them  when  the  vacancies 
took  place  — ,  I  wrote  the  following  Letter  to  Gen^ 
Wafhington 

"Camp  neer  New  Windsor  December  i;***  1782 
Sir 

"  Your  favor  of  the  2'^  instent  came  to  hand  the 
"  9*^.  I  beg  leave  to  afsure  your  Excellency  it  was 
"  with  reluctence  I  brought  myfelf  to  the  refolution 
"  of  retiring  from  fervice  before  the  clofe  of  the  war, 
**but  the  peculier  circumflances  of  my  family  Justi- 
"  fied  the  measure  to  my  own  mind,  efpecially  while 
"  in  connection  with  my  private  reasons,  my  retiering 
**  would  be  the  means  of  an  opening  for  So  worthy  a 
"  character,  as  Colonel  Brook,  to  remain  in  Service  — 

"But  the  refolves  of  Congress  of  November  19*^^ 
**  puts  the  Senior  officers  who  retire  in  Such  circum- 
"  fiances  as  by  no  means  corrispond  with  the  ideas 
"upon  which  I  agreed  to  retire,  therefore,  as  your 
"  excellency  observes  there  is  now  no  opening  unlefs 


98        MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM 

"  my  reafons  are  very  urgent  indeed.  I  ftiall  chuse  to 
"  remain  at  present,  rather  then  to  accept  the  pecu- 
"  niary  rewards  proposed  by  Congrefs  while  I  am 
"  deprived  of  every  honorary  advantage  which  I  may 
"be  intitled  to  — 

"  besides  Col°  Shepards  Leaveing  Service  has, 
"  unfortunately  put  me  in  a  fittuation  in  which  my 
"  f rinds  might  censure  me  Should  I  resign  at  pre- 
"sent  — 

"  I  am  much  obliged  to  your  Excellency  for  the 
"  information  refpecting  the  question  of  promotion  in 
"  the  Mafsachusetts  Line  being  yet  before  Congrefs. 
"  Should  it  be  desided  accorinding  to  the  opinion  of 
"  the  Secretary  at  War  it  will  undoubtedly  be  agre- 
"able  to  me.  it,  however  is  a  fubject  of  too  much 
"  dilicasy,  for  me  personably  to  addrefs  Congrefs  upon. 
"  if  my  Services  are  considered  in  fuch  a  point  of  view 
"  as  Shall  induce  my  General  to  mention  them  in  a 
"  favorable  Light  to  that  honorable  body,  I  Shall  ef- 
"  team  it  one  of  the  most  happy  circumstances  of  my 
"  Life.  —  But  I  beg  leave  to  Suggest  that  if  by  any 
"  means  the  Mafsachusets  Line,  Should  not  obtain 
"  that  justice,  which  they  have  Long  expected,  within 
"  a  reafonable  time,  or  any  arrangement  of  Command 
"  Should  take  place,  which  I  cannot  reconsile  to  my 
"  own  fealings  as  a  Military  man,  I  trust  I  fhall  Hand 
"  acquited  by  every  one,  pofsefed  of  those  fine  feal- 
"  ings  which  Military  Service  naturely  begits  in  the 
"  humain  brest.  Should  I  then  request  Leve  to  re- 
"figne  — " 

I  am  with  the  utmost  Sentements  of 
respect  your  Excellencies  mst  obedient 
humble  Servent  — 
General  RuFUS  Putnam 

Washington 


MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM        99 

whether  my  Sentements  exprefsed  as  above  were 
communicated  to  Congrefs  or  not  I  cannot  tell,  but 
be  that  as  it  may,  I  recived  a  Brigadiers  Commifsion 
dated  the  Eighth  of  January  1783  — 

Thus  was  I  placed  in  a  Sittuation  which  Left  me 
no  excuse  for  Leaveing  the  Service  to  the  clofe  of  the 
war,  which  happily  foon  took  place,  on  the  I9**'  of 
April  peace  was  publicly  proclaimed  in  the  army, 
in  June  the  Mafsachusetts  Line  were  reduced  to  three 
Regiments,  of  which  Gen^  Patterfon  being  the  oldest 
Brigadier  took  the  command,  the  other  officers  & 
foldiers  retiered  on  Furlow,  and  were  not  discharged 
untill  the  next  November  — 

Thus  have  I  given  you  my  history  relative  to  the 
revolutionary  War,  So  far  as  relates  to  the  extra 
Services  I  was  called  to  engage  in,  and  the  esteam 
in  which  I  was  hild  by  my  fuperior  &  other  officers 

I  might  Say,  with  another  officer  "  I  have  had  my 
escapes  as  well  as  others  "  but  I  have  endevored  to 
avoid  Saying  any  more  about  that,  then  was  necef- 
sarily  connected  with  the  objects  I  professed  to  have 
in  view 

That  I  enjoyed  a  good  fhare  of  the  esteam,  &  confi- 
dence, as  well  as  the  frindfhip  of  General  Wafhington, 
must  appear  to  all  who  fliall  peruse  this  memore,  — 
And  that  his  frindship  for  me  continued,  during  his 
political  existence,  will  appear  from  what  follows  — 

March  31^*  1790,  the  Prefident  appinted  me  Judg 
of  the  General  Court  in  &  over  the  teritory  North- 
west of  the  Ohio,  &  on 

May  5*^  1 792,  the  Prefident  appointed  me  a  Brigader 
in  the  army.^ 

October  i^^  1796,  he  appointed  me  Surveyor  Gen' 
of  the  united  flates.^ 

1  Page  257.  2  Page  412. 


loo      MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM 

To  be  able  to  leve  behind  me  fuch  indubitable  evi- 
dence of  the  elleam,  frindship,  &  patronage  of  fo  great 
&  good  a  man  as  General  Wafhington  (continued  for 
more  then  twenty  years)  is  no  small  Source  of  con- 
folation,  under  the  perfecution  I  have  fuffered  from 
the  Arch  enemy,  of  Wafhingtons  Administration. 


I  Shall  next  proceed  to  give  Some  account  of  my 
purfuits  and  employment  after  the  peace  took  place 
untill  my  arrivel  at  Marietta  with  my  family  in  Novem- 
ber 1 790  —  and  of  the  Indian  War  fo  far  as  relates 
to  the  Settlement  on  the  ohio  Company  Lands 

In  June  1783  previous  to  my  Leaveing  Camp  the 
officers  of  the  army,  perticulerly  of  the  Northern  States 
petitioned  Congrefs  for  a  grant  of  a  tract  of  Land 
Northwest  of  the  river  ohio.^  but  Learning  by  a 
Letter  from  General  Wafhington  of  June  1784^  that 
northing  had  ben  don  on  the  Said  petition,  I  engaged 
with  the  Committee  of  Eastern  Lands  to  Survey  cer- 
tain Lands  bordering  on  the  bay  of  Pafsamaquoddy, 
and  2^  of  august  1784  I  Left  home  for  that  country 
—  and  returned  to  Boston  the  eighth  of  November 
following  — 

1785  the  General  afsembly  of  Mafsachusets  were 
So  well  fatisfied  with  my  Services  the  Last  year  that 
they  appointed  me  one  of  the  Committe  for  the  Sale, 
of  there  Eastern  Lands,  &  alfo  to  fuperintend  the 
Surveys 

I  left  home  the  6*^^  of  June  &  arrived  at  Boston  the 
7*^  while  in  Boston,  my  election  as  one  of  the  Sur- 
veyors of  the  Lands  in  the  Western  teritory  was 
anounced  to  me  in  a  Letter  of  the  28*''  of  May  from 
the  Secretary  of  Congrefs,  &  requiring  an  imediate 
1  Page  215.  "  Page  226. 


MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM       I'oi' 

anfwer  of  my  acceptance  —  ^  I  was  under  confider- 
able  perplexety  what  anfwer  to  return,  for  I  was  not 
only  under  engagement  to  the  State  of  Mafsachusetts 
which  I  could  not  avoid  with  honor,  without  there 
confent,  but  Surveyors  &  hands  were  engaged  for 
the  Season,  provisions  Laid  in,  &  a  vefsel  chartered 
to  take  us  to  the  eastern  country  —  at  the  fame  time 
I  was  very  Loath  to  relinquish  my  appointment  for 
the  western  country,  on  a  vew  of  all  the  circumflances, 
I  wrote  a  letter  of  aceptence  to  the  Secretary  of  Con- 
gress, and  a  Letter  to  the  Mafsachufetts  Delagates 
in  Congrefs,  requesting  there  influence  that  Gen^ 
Tupper  might  be  accepted  as  a  fubstitute  for  me  in 
the  western  country  untill  I  could  attend  to  that  Ser- 
vice in  person  — 

June  14*^  having  compleated  my  arrangments  for 
the  eastern  country  we  Sailed  from  Beverly,  this  day 

June  20^''  arrived  at  Bluehill  Bay  where  we  depfitted 
llors 

d°  [June]  25  arrived  at  Enoch  Sandburns  in  Machias 
Bay  where  we  depolited  a  quantity  of  provisions. 

June  29*^  arrived  at  Laighton  point  in  Cobscook 
bay  here  we  depofited  our  remining  Stores  and  on 
the  next  day  discharged  the  Sloop  — 
This  Season  was  fpent  in  furveying  the  coast,  Is- 
lands &  towns  westward  to  Penobscot  Bay  —  and  we 
returned  to  Bollon  about  the  20**^  of  December.^  — 

The  Winter  following  I  was  chiefly  employed  in 
protracting  the  Surveys  made  the  Last  Season  — 

With  refpect  to  the  Surveys  proposed  to  be  exe- 
cuted this  year  in  the  western  Country,  the  hostile 
disposition  of  the  Indians  prevented  them  altogather. 

1  Page  232. 

2  General  Putnam's  notes  of  his  Surveys  of  Eastern  Lands  are  in  the 
Library  of  Marietta  College. 


I02      MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM 

a  treaty  had  ben  held  with  the  Indians  at  Fort  M^'In- 
tosh,  the  21^*  of  January  1785  but  the  terms  dictated 
by  our  Commifioners  were  by  no  means  Satisfactory 
to  the  Indians,  and  the  Surveyors  dare  not  venture 
into  the  woods  for  the  purpos  of  makeing  any  Sur- 
veys whatever,  however  General  Tupper  &  others 
brought  a  very  favorable  report  of  the  country,  North- 
west of  the  ohio  river,  and  haveing  no  expectation 
that  anything  more  favorable  would  be  don  by  Con- 
grels  for  the  army  then  what  was  comprised  in  the 
Land  ordinance  of  the  20*^  of  May  1785, 1  concluded 
to  join  in  Setting  on  foot  an  afsociation  for  purchas- 
ing of  Lands  in  that  country,  &  in  purfuit  of  this 
Idea,  Gen^  Tupper  &  my  felf  on  — 
r  January  10*^  1786  ifsued  public  information  to  all 
officer,  &  Soldiers  &  other  good  citizens  disposed 
to  become  adveturers  in  the  Ohio  country,  inviting 
those  residing  in  Mafsachusetts  to  meet  (by  Dela- 
gates  chosen  for  the  purpos)  at  Boston  on  the  first 
day  of  March,  for  the  purpos  of  forming  an  afsocia- 
tion by  the  name  of  the  Ohio  Company  — 

March  i^*  1786  Delagates  from  Eight  counties  of 
the  State  meet  at  Boston  agreable  to  our  request,  and 
proceeded  to  form  the  Articles  of  agreement  &c  — 
(See  ohio  Company  records)  —  ^ 

In  March  or  April  the  Surveyors  were  ordored  to 
proceed  to  the  Western  country,  but  as  General  Tup- 
per was  the  Last  year  a  great  Sufferer  in  expence,  & 
I  had  Still  businefs  to  attend  too  refpecting  the  east- 
ern Lands,  he  again  proceeded  to  the  ohio  country 
as  a  fiabstitute  for  me 

the  bufmefs  of  the  Eastern  Lands  gave  me  con- 
fiderable  imploy  in  Boston  through  the  winter  &  fall 

^     1  See  S.  P.  Hildreth's  Pioneer  History,  pp.  193-198 ;  or  Manasseh  Cutler 
—  Life,  Journals,  and  Correspondetice,  vol.  i.  pp.  179-186. 


MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM       103 

of  1786;  And  having  ben  appointed  with  Gen^  Lin- 
coln, and  Judge  Rice  (of  Wiscafset)  a  Commifsioner  to 
treat  with  the  Penobscot  Indians  &c  &c  I  was  on  this 
tour  from  august  7*^  to  the  22*^  of  September  — 

1787  January.  I  joined  General  Lincoln  at  Worces- 
ter as  a  Volunteer  Aid,  against  the  infurgents  & 
continued  with  him  untill  there  dispersion  at  Peters 
ham  —  Sometime  in  February  —  April  27*^  I  was  ap- 
pointed a  Justice  of  the  peace  by  Govenor  Bowdoin 
—  and  at  the  May  election  I  was  Elected  a  member 
of  the  General  afsembly  for  the  Town  of  Rutland 

I  attended  the  Spring  &  fall  fefsion  of  the  Gen- 
eral afsembly,  and  alfo  to  the  bufsinefs  of  the  eastern 
Lands  — 

November  23^  1787  the  Director  of  the  ohio  com- 
pany this  day  appointed  me  Superintendent  of  all 
the  bufmefs,  relateing  to  the  comincment  of  a  Settle- 
ment of  there  Lands  in  the  teritory  Northewest  of 
the  river  Ohio  the  people  to  go  forward  in  the  com- 
panys  employ  under  my  direction,  was  to  confist  of 
4  Surveyors  22  men  to  attend  them,  6  boat  builders 
4  Carpenters  i  Blackfmith  &  9  common  hands  with 
two  waggons  —  &c  &c  ^ 

Major  Haffield  White  conducted  the  first  party 
which  Started  from  Danvers,  First  of  December  — 
the  other  party  were  appointed  to  randevoz  at  Hart- 
ford where  I  met  them  on  the  first  day  of  January 
1788 

From  Hartford  I  was  under  the  necefsity  of  going 
by  New  york,  and  this  party  moved  forward,  con- 
ducted by  Col°  Sproat  — 

January  24**^  I  joined  the  party  at  Lincolns  Inn, 
neer  the  Sweetterret  Creek,^  which  was  hard  frosen 

1  See  S.  P.  Hildreth's  Pioneer  History,  pp.  201-204. 

2  Swatara  Creek. 


/ 


I04      MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM 

but  not  fufficient  to  bear  the  waggon,  &  a  whole  day 
was  fpent  in  cuting  a  pafsage.  —  So  great  a  quantity 
of  Snow  fell  this  day  &  the  night  following  as  quite 
blocked  up  the  road,  it  was  with,  much  difficulty  we 
got  the  waggon  as  far  as  Coopers  at  the  foot  of  Tus- 
carowas   mountains  (Now  Strawsburgh)  where  we 

arrived  the  29 here  we  found  that  northing  had 

crofsed  the  mountains  Sence  the  great  Snow  above 
mentioned,  and  that  in  the  old  Snow  which  was  about 
12  inches  deep  pack  horses  only  had  crofsed  these 
mountains  —  our  only  resourse  now  was  to  build 
Sleads  and  to  harnefs  our  horses  one  before  the  other, 
&  in  this  maner,  with  four  Sleads,  &  the  men  March- 
ing in  front  to  break  the  tract  we  Set  forward,  and 
reached  the  yauhiogany  the  14^^  of  February  where 
we  found  Major  Whites  party  who  arrived  here  the 
23*^  of  January  — 

April  i^*  1788  having  compleated  our  Boats,  and 
Lade  in  Stores  we  left  Sumrells  Ferry  on  the  yahio- 
any  for  the  mouth  Muskingum  river  and  arrived 
there  on  the  Seventh  —  Landing  on  the  upper  point 
where  we  pitched  our  Camp  among  the  trees,  and  in 
a  few  days  comminced  the  Survey  of  the  Town  of 
Marietta  as  well  as  the  eight  acre  Lots  —  nor  was  a 
preparation  for  a  place  of  Defence  neglected — ^for 
besids  the  propriety  of  always  guarding  against  Sav- 
ages, I  had  reafon  to  be  cautious.  For  from  confulting 
the  Several  treaties  which  had  ben  made  with  the 
Indians  by  our  Commfioners  (copies  of  which  I  had 
obtained  at  the  War  office  as  I  came  on)  and  other 
circumflances  I  was  fully  perfuaided  that  the  Indians 
would  not  be  peacible  very  Long,  —  hence  the  pro- 
priety of  imediately  erecting  a  cover  for  the  Emi- 
grents  who  were  Soon  expected. 

therefore  the  hands  not  necefsary  to  attend  the 


MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM       105 

Surveys  were  Set  to  work  in  clearing  the  Ground 
&c  which  I  fixed  on  for  erecting  the  proposed  works 
of  defence 

Thus  were  all  hands  employed  untill  the  5*^  of  May 
—  when  I  proposed  to  them  that  those  who  inclined 
Should  have  the  Liberty  of  planting  two  acres  each 
on  the  plain  within  the  town  plat  and  make  up  there 
time  after  the  first  of  July,  (the  time  to  which  they 
had  ben  engaged  in  the  Companys  Service)  —  most 
of  them  accepted  the  offer,  and  with  what  was  don 
by  them  &  others  who  came  on  about  this  time  we 
had  about  130  acres  of  good  corn  raised  yeilding  on 
an  average  about  30  Bufhel  per  acre  —  the  Season 
was  very  favorable  we  had  no  frost  untill  winter.  I 
had  English  Beans  Blofsomed  in  December  — 

Campus-Martius,  was  Sittuate  on  the  Margen  of 
the  first  high  ground  or  plain  68  Chains  from  the 
ohio  river  &  eight  chains  from  the  Muskingum. 

And  confisted  of  four  Block  houfes  of  hewed  or 
fawed  timber,  two  Story  high  (erected  at  the  expence 
of  the  Company)  the  upper  ftories  on  two  fides  pro- 
jected two  feet  with  Loope  holes  in  the  projection  to 
rake  the  fides  of  the  Lower  flories.  two  of  the  block 
houses  had  two  rooms  on  a  floor,  &  the  other  two 
three  rooms  —  the  block  houses  were  fo  placed  as  to 
form  Bastions  of  a  reguler  Square  and  flank  the  cur- 
tains of  the  work,  which  was  proposed  to  confist  of 
private  houfes,  alfo  to  be  made  of  hewed  or  fawed 
timber  and  two  Story  high  —  Leaveing  a  cleane  area 
within  of  144  feet  fquare 

Before  our  arrivel  at  the  Muskingum  as  above  men- 
tioned none  of  the  Directors  or  agents  had  any  cor- 
rect Idea  of  the  quality  of  the  Lands  they  had  pur- 
chsed  efpecially  of  the  face  of  the  countr}^  about  the 
Muskingum  at  &  neer  its  confluence  withe  the  ohio, 


io6      MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM 

where  they  ditermined  to  Lay  out  there  Capital,  to 
confist,  including  commons,  of  four  thousand  acres 
"  and  contiguous  to  this,  one  thousand  Lots  of  eight 
acres  each,  amounting,  to  eight  thousand  acres  " 

The  Survey  of  thefe  8  acre  Lots  was  first  of  all  to 
be  executed,  &  a  plan  of  them  forwarded  to  the  Sec- 
retary of  the  company  by  the  first  Wednesday  of 
March  (1788)  the  day  appointed  for  the  agents  to 
meet  at  Providence  to  draw  the  Lot  —  and  where 
they  actually  did  meet  &  Draw  the  Several  lots  but 
had  the  prudence  to  Lodge  the  List  of  daughts  with 
the  Secretary  untill  the  plans  were  Sent  on 

In  the  month  of  June  Gen^  Parfons  &  General  Var- 
num  two  other  Directors  of  the  Company,  with  fo 
many  of  the  agents  arrived  at  this  place  as  to  enable 
them  to  hold  there  meeting  the  2^  of  July  to  which 
time  &  place  it  had  ben  adjorned  from  Providenc  — 
—  But  how  disappointed  were  thay  to  find  that  not 
a  Director  or  agent  had  drawn  an  8  acre  lot  fo  neer 
the  town  as  to  be  able  to  cultivate  it  without  much 
hazard,  fome  remedy  they  ditermined  on,  &  refolved 
on  the  foolish  plan  to  divide  three  thousand  acres  of 
the  commons  into  three  acre  Lots,  this  was  don  but 
they  were  as  unfortunate  as  before,  none  of  them 
were  accommedated  — 

another  meafure  adopted  was  to  authorize  the 
clearing  the  town  Lots  &  remaining  commons  —  this 
was  but  a  very  partial  releaf  even  for  those  already 
arrived,  &  the  number  was  daily  increasing  — 

the  Scheme  of  Laying  out  Lots  of  Eight  acres  had 
always  ben  opposed  by  my  felf  &  Some  others,  our 
opinion  was  that  a  fmall  farm  of  not  Lefs  then  64 
acres  of  the  best  Land  ftiould  be  Laid  out  to  each 
fhare  bordering  on  the  ohio  &  other  navagable 
Streams,  of  which  the  first  actual  Settlers  Should  take 


MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM       107 

there  choce,  but  we  were  over  ruled  and  the  8  acre 
Lots  having  ben  drawn  &  become  the  property  of 
Individals  it  was  too  Late  to  adopt  the  other  plan 

With  refpect  to  the  works  at  Campus  Martius  the 
four  Block  houfes  were  all  up  ;  and  the  private  houses 
of  the  curtains  were  fo  far  advanced  in  the  course  of 
the  year  as  to  render  the  place  very  defencible  — 

By  the  timely  arrivel  of  Govenor  St  Clair  with  the 
Tentorial  Judges  —  viz.  Perfons  Symms  &  Vemum  ^ 
a  code  of  Laws  were  adopted  for  the  teritory,  and 
officers  civil  &  Military  appointed  for  the  County  of 
Wafhington  before  the  first  of  September,  in  which 
month  the  Cout  of  Commonpleas  &  quarter  fefsions 
was  opened  at  Marietta,  but  happily  for  the  credit 
of  the  people  there  was  no  Suit  either  civel  or  crimi- 
nal brought  before  the  court  — 

The  whole  Number  of  Men  including  my  felf  who 
arrived  at  Mufkingum  (Marietta  the  7*^  of  April  1788 
as  before  mentioned)  was  48  among  which  were  four 
Surveyors,  viz  Col<^  Sproat,  Col  Meigs,  Major  Tup- 
per  &  M""  John  Mathews,  &  in  the  course  of  this  year 
in  addition  to  the  above  84  men  makeing  132  for 
the  year  1788  —  and  among  these  15  families  8  of 
thefe  arrived  as  early  as  the  month  of  August  among 
whome  were  Gen^  Tupper,  Major  Cufhing,  Major 
Goodale  &  Major  Cobum  It  must  be  remembered 
that  at  the  close  of  this  year  there  was  not  a  fmgle 
white  family  within  the  now  flate  of  ohio,  but  what 
were  included  in  our  fettlement,  for  Col°  Harmer  & 
needy  all  his  officers,  at  Fort  Harmer  were  propri- 
etors in  the  ohio  Company.  —  Judge  Symms  with  a 
few  families  went  down  the  river  in  the  course  of  the 
Sumer  but  they  wintered  in  Kentucky 

^  Arthur  St.  Clair  of  Pennsylvania,  Samuel  Hoklen  Parsons  of  Con- 
necticut, John  Cleves  Symmes  of  New  Jersey,  and  James  Mitchell  Var- 
num  of  Rhode  Island. 


io8       MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM 

We  had  no  interruption  from  the  Indians  this  year, 
neer  Marrietta,  partly  no  doubt  from  there  hopes  they 
entertained  from  the  treaty  which  they  had  ben  pro- 
mised, and  which  was  held  neer  Fort  Harmer^  & 
Signed  the  g^^  of  January  1 789  —  but  this  treaty  under 
all  circumilances  gave  us  no  real  fecurity,  or  reafon 
to  relax  in  our  precautions  against  a  furprize  — 

The  Directors  &  agents  with  every  other  propri- 
etor that  arrived  in  the  country  were  early  convinced 
that  Some  new  project  must  be  adopted  for  accommo- 
dating emigrants  with  Land  or  the  Settlement  would 
foon  come  to  northing,  and  doubts  arifeing  in  the 
minds  of  Some  with  refpect  to  the  agents  authority 
to  effect  what  appered  necefsary,  to  remedy  this 
fupposed  defect,  the  proprietors  were  notified  to  meet 
at  Marietta  the  first  Wednesday  of  December  1788 
by  themfelves  or  agents  Specially  authorised  for  the 
purpos,  but  the  proprietors  did  not  appear  by  them 
felves  or  fpecial  agents  in  fufficients  numbers  to  au- 
thorize there  proceeding  on  the  bufmefs,  wherefore 
the  agents  concived  under  all  circumflances  that 
they  were  warrented  to  proceed  on  the  premifes 

Therefore,  February  6*^^  1 789  the  Agents  First  re- 
pealed the  Refolutions  refpecting  the  division  of  the 
remaining  Lands  pafsed  at  Boston  the  21^*  of  Novem- 
ber 1787,  and  then  after  a  preamble  Stateing  there 
reafons  proceeded  as  follows  viz 

"  Therefore  Refolved  [/jiammously,  That  there  fhall 
"  be  granted  to  perfons  who  fhall  fettle  in  fuch  places 
"  within  the  purchas  as  the  agents  may  think  most 
"conducive  to  advance  the  general  intrest  of  the 
"  proprietors  &  under  fuch  reflrictions  and  Limitations 
"  as  they  fliall  think  proper,  not  exceeding  one  hun- 

^  Fort  Harmar  was  located  at  the  mouth  of  the  Muskingum  River, 
opposite  the  Ohio  Company's  first  settlement. 


MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM       109 

"  dred  acres  out  of  each  fhare  in  the  fund  of  the 
"  Company,  &  that  a  Committe  be  appointed  to  in- 
"  vestigate  the  purchas  fo  far  as  may  in  there  opinion 
"  be  necefsary  in  ordor  to  point  out  &  fix  upon  proper 
"  places  of  lettlement  " 

The  general  regulation  refpecting  fuch  fettlers  (me- 
terial  to  be  mentioned  here)  is  that  no  one  fettlement 
fhould  confist  of  Lefs  then  20  men  able  to  bear  arms 
&  well  provided  with  arms  &  amunition  —  &  to  erect 
fuch  works  of  Defence  as  Should  be  pointed  out  by 
the  Committe. 

In  purfuence  of  these  regulations  for  Granting  Do- 
nation Lands  a  number  of  Settlements  were  made 
in  1789  &  1790  of  which  we  fhall  have  ocation  to  Say 
more  here  after 

The  number  of  emigrants  who  arrived  in  1 789  as 
far  as  we  are  able  to  afsertain  was  152  men  and 
among  thefe  57  families  —  among  the  emigrents  this 
year  was  the  Reverend  Daniel  Story  — 

early  in  the  Spring  Capt  Zebulun  King  was  Killed 
at  Bellprie  by  the  Indians.  &  4  others  in  the  woods 
below  Gallipolis,  M*"  Mathews  the  Surveyor  &  one 
man  efcaped.  John  Gardner  taken  at  Wolf  C  but  es- 
caped from  them 

1790  in  the  Last  &  prefent  year  the  following  Set- 
tlements commenced  in  purfuence  of  the  Donation 
System  before  mentioned  —  viz  4  Settlements  on  the 
ohio  at  Belleprie,  &  Newbury  including  68  Lots  alfo 
on  the  Muskingum,  &  Wolf  Creek  2  Settlements  of 
40  Lots  at  all  thefe  Settelements  very  confiderable 
improvements  had  ben  made  during  the  Last  &  pre- 
fent year  &  a  Saw  mill  &  Cornmill  erected  at  Wolf 
Creek  &  at  Duck  Creek 

at  Meigs  Creek  a  Block  house  was  built  for  20  Set- 
tlers &  another  at  Big  bottom  for  40  Late  in  the  fall 


no      MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM 

of  the  prefent  year,  &  a  few  Settlers  were  on  the 
alottmt  at  the  Forks  of  Duck  Creek  — 

on  the  23*^  of  April  Docter  Cutler  &  my  felf  in 
behalf  of  the  Directors  —  Executed  a  contract  with 
William  Dure  and  others  at  New  york  for  the  Sale 
of  148  fhares  of  Land  in  the  ohio  Companys  purchas, 
which  had  ben  forfited  for  nonpayment  —  ^ 

The  object  of  Duer  and  his  afsociates  was  to  pro- 
vide for  certain  French  emigrants  who  had  begun  to 
arrive  at  New  york  —  in  purfuence  of  that  object 
Major  John  Burnham,  was  engaged  to  rais  50  men, 
to  erect  Cabbins  for  the  emigrants  —  Burnham  with 
his  party  arrived  at  Chickamage  (galipolis)  in  the 
month  of  June,  &  imediately  comminced  there  work 
—  And  a  Number  of  the  French  Emigrants  arrived 
at  Galipolis  in  the  course  of  the  Sumer  and  fall 

August  1790  althoe  our  fettlements  had  fuffered 
nothing  the  prefent  year  from  the  Indians,  yet  kow- 
ing  that  General  Harmer  was  going  against  Some  of 
there  Settlements,  and  other  circumflances  gave  us 
apprehentions  of  Mischief  from  them  to  guard  against 
which  detachments  of  Militia,  under  pay  of  the  Com- 
pany, were  Stationed  at  each  Settlement  for  the  pro- 
tection of  the  people  against  furprize  &c  — 

The  number  of  Emigrants  this  year  including 
Major  Burnhams  party  (&  exclusive  of  the  French 
emigrants)  as  neer  as  we  can  afsertain  was  165  men 
&  31  families 

The  number  of  Frnch  emigrants  that  arrived  at 
Gallipolis  we  never  afsertained,  but  I  find  35  men  & 
two  families  remained  Some  time  at  Marietta  — 

After  General  Harmers  Defeat  at  the  S*  Jofeph, 
neer  the  Miami  Towns,  at  the  head  of  the  Miami 

1  For  a  detailed  account  of  this  transaction,  see  Manasseh  Cutler  — 
Life,  yournals,  and  Corj-espondence,  vol.  i.  pp.  494-524. 


MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM       iii 

river  of  the  Lake  Eri,  we  were  very  apprehensive  for 
Some  time  of  an  attack  from  our  neighbours,  the 
Dellewars  &  Wyandots,  but  as  they  made  no  move- 
ment we  began  to  flatter  our  felves  they  would  not 
take  part  in  the  war  which  the  Shawones  &  Miami 
Indians  had  provoked  — 

I  have  Stated  that  in  the  year  1 788  we  had  no  Frost 
until!  Some  time  in  December  but  in  the  year  1789 
it  was  far  otherwife  a  Severe  frost  about  the  fourth 
of  October  deflroyed  all  the  unripe  corn  throughout 
the  western  country,  and  was  perticulerly  diflresing 
to  the  fettlers  on  the  ohio  Company  Land  — 

I  left  Marietta  in  July  1 789,  intending  not  to  return 
again  untill  I  brought  on  my  family,  but  in  the  win- 
ter of  1 790  I  was  with  Docter  Cutler  detained  in  Newe 
york  on  the  Companys  businefs,  and  while  there  as 
before  Hated  we  contracted  with  W'"  Duer  &  others 
for  the  Sale  of  148  Shares  of  Forieted  rights,  &  not 
only  fo  but  I  undetook  to  engage  a  party  of  men  to 
come  forward  under  Major  Burnham  for  the  purpos 
of  erecting  cabbins  at  Chickamaga  as  before  men- 
tioned. I  arrived  with  Major  Burnhams  party  at 
Marietta  in  May  with  a  Hock  of  provisions  to  last 
untill  December,  to  which  time  I  had  engaged  there 
fervis  and  made  my  felf  refponfible  for  there  pay  — 

other  bufmefs  of  the  ohio  Company  Like  wife  called 
my  attention  to  Marietta  at  this  time  which  the  jour- 
nals of  the  Company  will  in  a  Meafure  explain  —  ^ 

I  again  left  the  Settlement  in  the  month  of  June, 
and  returned  with  my  family  the  fifth  of  November  — 

1  The  encouragement  of  new  settlements  was  considered  of  prime  ini- 
portance,  and  during  the  winter  of  1790  committees  explored  and  reported 
favorably  upon  several  locations  along  the  Ohio,  in  the  lower  part  of  the 
Ohio  Company's  Purchase ;  57,000  acres  were  divided  into  farms,  and 
though  the  outbreak  of  the  Indian  War  prevented  the  fulfilment  of  the 
plan,  General  Putnam's  energies  at  this  time  were  probably  directed 
toward  it. 


112      MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM 

the  Crops  of  Corn  this  year  were  very  good  but 
the  increfe  of  inhabitents  with  the  Scersety  in  the 
early  part  of  the  Seafon  oweing  to  the  untimely  frost 
the  last  fall  gave  reafon  to  apprehend  there  would 
not  be  a  fupply  for  the  enfuing  year  —  exclusive  of 
the  people  at  Gallipolis  who  had  raised  none  — 

January  2'^  1791  —  this  evening  between  Sunfetting 
and  dark  the  Indians  furprized  a  new  Blockhouse  at 
a  place  called  the  Big  bottom  about  40  mile  up  the 
Mufkingum  the  Indians  first  decoyed  &  made  prif- 
oners  of  4  men  at  a  hutt  a  Little  distence  from  the 
block  house,  they  then  came  to  the  block  house 
&  finding  the  Door  open  &  no  fentenal  they  fired 
on  the  people  about  the  fire  &  rufhing  in  Murdered 
every  person  except  one  Lad  —  the  perfons  killed 
were  John  llacy,  Ezra  Putnam  John  Camp,  Zebulun 
Troop  (4)  from  Mafschusetts,  Jonathan  Far  well  and 
Couch  ^  (2)  from  New  hampshire  W'"  James 
(i)  from  Connecticut  —  Jofeph  Clark  (i)  from  Rhode 
Island  Isaac  Meeks,  his  Wife  &  two  Children  (4) 
from  Virginia    in  all  12  killed 

Taken  prifoners.  Francis  Choat,  Isaac  Choat  Thomas 
Shaw  &  Philip  Stacy  (4)  from  Mafsachufetts  &  Jamee 
Patten  from  Newhampfhire  5  in  all  taken  prifoners  — 

the  Indians  the  Same  Night  came  down  to  Wolf 
Creek  Mills,  but  fortunately  2  men  in  another  hutt 
not  far  from  the  Blockhouse  that  was  taken  made 
there  efcape,  and  coming  down  to  Cap*  Roggers 
Hunting  Camp  they  arrived  at  the  Mills  before  the 
Indians  &  gave  the  alarm,  the  Indians  therefore  find- 
ing the  people  at  the  Mills  were  on  there  gnarde  made 
no  attempt  at  that  time  — 

It  was  now  evident  that  the  war  was  become  gen- 
eral  and  that  it  was  necefsary  to   prepair   for   the 

1  James  Couch. 


MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM       113 


worst,  our  Situation  was  critical  on  Several  accounts, 
the  troops  that  were  at  Fort  Harmer  had  all  except 
a  few  Invaleds  ben  called  down  the  river.  General 
Harmer  had  ben  unfortunate  two  detachments  of 
his  army  one  of  1 10  men  &  the  other  of  360  had  Sev- 
erally ben  beaten  by  the  Indians,  there  were  no  fet- 
tlements  on  the  ohio  or  neer  it  from  Pitts  burgh  to 
Kentucky,  that  were  they  disposed  could  afford  us 
any  afsistence  —  the  Indians  were  much  elated  with 
there  fuccefs  &  threatened  there  fhould  not  remain  a 
Smoak  on  the  ohio  by  the  time  the  Leaves  put  out 

our  own  Strength  at  this  time  (except  at  Gallipolis) 
I  find  by  a  return  of  the  Militia  made  about  this  time 
to  be  as  follows  viz 


'  L'  Col°  Commadant 
Major  —    —    —    - 
Captains  —  —   — 

Subalterns 

Sarjents  —    —    — 
Rank  &  file    —    — 


This  it  appears 
was  the  whole  force 
which  under  providence 
we  had  to  rely  on 
for  our  defence 
except  a  few  of 
Burnhams  men 
Som  of  whome  remained 
at  Gallipolis  &  I  expect  were 
not  included  in  this  return 
nor  are  any  Frenchmen 
included,  they  were  not  yet  organized 
with  officers 


Civel  officers 


L  Old  Men 


( Marietta  —  - 
■<  Belleprie  —  — 
(  Wolf  Creek  — 

KiUed  &  Mifsing 


—  I 

-  I 

—  4 

-  8 

-  6 

-  244 
264 

-  8 

-  19 

—  4 
-__6 

301 

14 

287 


The  first  Meafures  taken  was  to  call  a  fpecial 
Meeting  of  the  Agents  and  proprietors  within  the 
purchas  on  the  5*''  of  January,  at  which  meeting 
they  refolved  that  additional  works  were  necefsary  to 
be  erected  for  the  defence  of  Marietta,  Belleprie,  & 
Wolf  Creek  (Waterford) 

that  Col°  Sproat  be  applied  to  and  requesed  to 
rais  a  body  of  Militia  to  consist  of  60  privates  properly 


114      MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM 

oficered  and  Six  Spies  or  expert  Woods  men  —  The 
Directors  imediately  fet  about  carrying  thefe  Refolu- 
tions  into  effect  —  the  four  fettlements  at  Belleprie  & 
Newbury  were  confentrated  in  one  —  thofe  at  Wolf 
Creek  —  Meigs  Creek  &  indeed  all  up  the  Mulkingum 
were  all  collected  to  one  flation  on  the  Bank  of  the 
river,  except  fuch  as  retiered  to  Marietta,  the  people 
up  Duck  Creek  &  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Marietta 
were  all  called  in  &  took  Shelter  at  Campus-Martius, 
Fort  Harmer  &  the  point  at  the  upper  fide  of  Muf- 
kingum,  were  a  large  Space  including  all  the  Houses 

was  enclosed  by  a  flockade  &  Block  houses a 

flrong  work  of  Block  houses  joined  by  a  llockade 
work  was  alfo  erected  at  Bellprie  and  another  at  the 
Station  up  the  Mufkingum  —  and  Campus  was  alfo 
much  improved  by  additional  works 

Dureing  the  Winter  while  thefe  works  were  carry- 
ing on  few  men  Left  the  Settlement  becaufe  they 
were  reciving  wages  either  for  Service  on  the  works 
or  as  Militia  but  the  works  being  compleated  &  the 
War  continuing  many  deferted  the  Settlement 

we  heard  northing  from  the  Indians  untill  the  month 
of  March  when  they  came  on  in  confiderable  force  to 
Warterford  (the  Station  up  Muskingum)  but  the  peo- 
ple being  apprized  of  there  approach  they  effected 
northing,  but  the  wounding  one  Man  &  takeing  an- 
other prifoner,  who  were  out  Some  distence  from  the 
Garison,  but  did  not  attemp  this  Fort,  nor  any  other 
of  our  Stations —  but  dividing  into  Small  parties 
they  harrised  all  the  Settlements  on  the  ohio  through 
the  Somer  &  fall,  at  Marietta  they  killed  Capt  Joseph 
Rogers  about  i  ^  mile  from  Campus-Martius  as  he 
was  returning  in  from  a  Scout  —  and  Mathew  Kerr 
at  the  Mouth  of  Duck  Creek  —  at  Bellprie  they  killed 
Benona  Hurlburt  (a  Spy)  while  out  on  his  duty   they 


MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM       115 

alfo  killed,  &  drove  off  a  number  of  Cattle  from  Bell- 
prie  &  Warterford  —     — 

they  alfo  killed  one  man  at  Gallipolis,  and  James 
Kelly  at  Bellvill  29  mile  below  Marietta  &  took  Jo- 
seph Kelly,  a  Small  boy  on  the  Virginia  fide  of  the 
ohio.^  and  4  men  were  killed  one  wounded  &  one 
taken  prifoner  about  7  mile  from  Marietta  on  the 
road  to  Clarksburge  — 

finding  the  peopl  on  the  ohio  Company  purchas 
all  Ported  &  generally  keeping  a  good  Lookout  — 
it  apears  the  party  which  came  out  to  deflroy  us 
root  &  branch  pritty  early  in  the  year  crofsed  over 
into  Viginia  &  neer  the  ohio  and  even  as  far  East  as 
the  Waters  of  the  Mongahala  did  a  Great  deal  of 
Mischief,  in  Murdering  &  captivateing  people  & 
carrying  off  Horses  every  year  the  war  continued  — 
while  we  Lost  but  a  few  comparitively  after  the 
prefent  year  (1791)  in  1792  at  Marietta  M''  Robert 
Worth  and  a  Negro  boy  killed  &  Joseph  Simonds 
wounded  in  1793  at  Bellprie  Major  Goodale  killed 
in  1794  —  Abel  Sherman,  at  Waterford,  &  Jonas 
Davis  at  Bellprie  killed  &  in  1795  Sherman  Warter- 
man  killed,  on  Little  Wolf  Creek  —  and  providence 
fo  ordored  that  in  the  course  of  the  War  we  obtained 
two  Indian  Schelps,  &  believe  we  killed  a  third 

February  1792  —  the  Director  of  the  Ohio  Com- 
pany haveing  notified  a  meeting  of  Special  agents 
to  be  holden  in  Philedelphia,  to  take  the  afairs  of  the 
Company  into  confideration,  on  the  2^  of  this  month 
I  Set  out  in  company  with  Col°  Robert  oliver  ^  for 
that  place  on,  or  foon  after  our  arrivel  we  met  with 
Docter  Cutler  —  &  on  the  2^  of  March  we  prefered  a 

*  In  the  manuscript  arranged  thus  :  — 

"  they  also  killed  one  man  at  Gallipolis,  and  James  Kelly  at  Bellvill  29 

&  took  Joseph  Kelly,  a  Small  boy 
mile  below  Marietta  on  the  Virginia  Gde  of  the  ohio." 
A 
2  Robert  Oliver  was  one  of  the  Directors  of  the  Ohio  Company. 


ii6       MEMOIRS  OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM 

petition  to  Congrefs^  —  the  great  object  of  this  peti- 
tion was  to  be  released  from  the  oreginal  contract  for 
the  purchas  of  1.500.000  acres  and  for  a  reimburs- 
ment  of  the  expencis  of  the  war  &c  &c  our  Sittuation 
was  very  criticle  —  Col°  Duer  &  afsociates  had  failed 
altogather  in  refpect  to  the  148  fhares  they  contracted 
to  purchas  Duer  was  about  this  time  fhut  up  in 
Gale,  where  he  Died  $2861,42  indebeted  to  me  for 
building  the  works  &  Cabbins  at  Gallipolis  —  And 
Richard  Piatt  the  treafurer  of  the  ohio  Company  was 
fhut  up  —  about  $80000  indebted  to  the  ohio  Com- 
pany, which  they  never  recovered  —  &  we  were 
bound  to  give  100  acres  of  Land  to  each  actual  Set- 
tler, who  fhould  continue  in  the  Settlement  &  perform 
Militia  duty  dureing  the  War  —  our  ability  to  per- 
form which  many  began  to  doubt.  S*  Clair  had  ben 
defeated,  with  a  great  Lofs  of  men,  and  all  his  artil- 
lery, and  Stores  of  every  kind  —  the  Indians  began 
to  believe  them  Selves  invinsible,  and  they  truly  had 
great  caufe  of  triumph. 

by  far  the  greatest  part  of  our  Strenght  confisted 
in  men  who  were  not  proprietore  in  the  Company  & 
therefore  had  no  inducment  to  remain  in  the  country 
but  ther-e  wages  &  the  100  acres  of  Land  which  had 
ben  promised 

Our  Second  payment  to  Congrefs  of  $500000  was 
now  become  due  —  &  on  the  non  payment  of  which 
it  was  a  question  if  the  Lands  we  had  paid  for  might 
not  be  forfieted  — 

befides  we  had  already  expended  more  then  $9000 
in  erecting  works  &  paying  Militia  &  &c 

under  thefe  circumllances  it  was  abfolutly  impof- 
sible  to  fulfill  our  contract  with  Congrefs  &  there  was 
the  utmost  danger  of  the  fettlement  being  broken 

1  For  the  text  of  this  petition  and  the  consequent  Act  of  Congress,  see 
Manasseh  Cutler  —  Life,  Journals,  and  Correspondence,  vol.  i.  pp.  47 1-481 . 


MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM       117 


up,  unlefs  Congrefs  Should  grant  releaf but  in 

this  mount  of  difficulties  Divine  providence  fo  over 
ruled  the  minds  of  Men  that  Congrefs  pafsed  an  Act 
authorizing  the  Prefident  to  ifsue  a  patent  for  the 
750000  acres  for  which  we  had  paid  in  final  Settle- 
ment Certificates,  &  another  Patent  for  a  tract  of 
214285  acres  which  we  paid  for  in  Military  Land 
Warrents  valued  at  the  rate  of  one  acree  equel  to 
one  Doller  in  Certificates  —  Congrefs  alfo  granted 
to  the  Directors  looooo  acres  in  trust  to  be  granted 
in  Lots  of  100  acres  to  each  Settler  —  by  which 
means  the  Directors  were  able  to  fulfill  there  engage- 
ments to  Settlers  without  any  Sacrefise  of  the  Com- 
pany Lands  — 

we  alfo  obtained  a  reimbursment  of  moneys  paid 
for  wages  &  Subfistence  of  Militia  $2614,08  — 

By  a  Late  examination  of  the  Companys  Books  I 
find  there  expends  on  ace*  of  the  Indian  War  to  be 
for  1790  1 791  &  1792  as  follows  viz 

1790  for  p*  Militia,  Spies  &  Subsistence        — 

1 791  for  pay  of  Militia  Six  month  —  —  —  — 
for  amount  of  Subsistence  &  rations  Same  time  — 
d°  Spys  extra  Scouts  &  guards  pay  &  rations  — 
d°  furgions  pay  &  rations,  Medicen  &  amunition  — 

d"  expence  of  tlie  Several  fortifications  — 

d"  goods  given  for  redeemtion  of  prifoners 


To  alowence  by  agents  to  Director  for  Sers'is 

1 791  to  Rufus  Putnam  Servis  at  Marietta       $113. 
D°     G.  Greene  at  Belleprie  —  —  —  —  —    90.  — 
d°     d°      d°  —  at  Marietta : 283.50 

1792  d°     d"       at      d°     —  —    —    —    —  118.50 

1791  Robert  Oliver  Servis  at  Marietta    —        351. — 
d"     Jorney  of  Oliver  to  Philadelphia     —        173-33 

1792  Robert  Oliver   Service  at  Marietta  —        90. — 

Contra  C — r 
By  money  &c  refunded  by  the  US         $  2614.08 
By  Sundries  furnished  individuals  743-94 

Neat  expence  ocationed  by  the  War  — 
to  the  ohio  Company  —     —     —    —    —    — 


$- 

Ct. 

297 

83 

3724 

43 

2930 

I06I 

766 
4668 

10 

84 

40 

— 

13489 


I2I9 


59 


33 


ii8       MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM 

It  will  be  obferved  that  all  these  expences  accrued 
in  the  years  1791  &  1792  and  indeed  after  the  first 
Six  months  of  the  year  1791  the  ohio  Company  were 
at  no  expence  on  account  of  the  Militia  who  were 
called  into  Service,  they  were  paid  &  Subsisted  by 
the  United  States 

I  have  Said  (page  129)  [99]  that  on  the  5*^  of  May 
1792  I  was  appointed  Brigadier  in  the  army.^  with 
what  reluctence  I  accepted  of  that  appointment  will 
be  feen  by  the  following  Letter  I  wrote  to  the  Secre- 
tary of  War  on  the  ocation 

"  Philadelphia  May  7ti»  1792 
"Sir 

I  have  ben  this  day  honored  with  your  Letter  of 
"the  5*^  inflent,  notifying  me,  that  the  Prefident  of 
"  the  United  States  withe  advice  &  confent  of  Senate 
"  has  appointed  me  a  Brigadier  General.  —  the  re- 
"  fpect  I  owe  to  the  Prefident  of  the  United  States, 
"  and  the  distrefsed  Sittuation  of  that  country  I  now 
"  call  mine,  obliges  me  to  accept  the  honor  of  this 
"appointment.  —  provided  however  that  I  hold  my 
"  rank  from  my  Commifsion  in  the  Late  army  that 
"  I  conlider  it  a  temporary  appointment  which  I  pro- 
"  pose  to  refign,  as  Soon  as  the  Service  will  permit, 
"  and  in  the  Mean  time  I  retain  my  prefent  office  in 
"  the  civel  department. 

"  but  in  justice  to  my  Self  I  must  obferve,  that  I 
"  have  not  the  remotest  wish  to  enter  again  into  the 
"  Military  Line,  my  private  afairs  &  Sittuation  of 
"  my  family  all  forbid  it  and  my  advanced  age  as  well 
"  as  llate  of  my  health,  I  fear  will  render  me  unable 
"  to  perform  the  duties  of  a  Soldier  with  honor  to  my 
"  felf  &  advantage  to  the  Servis  " 

I  am  &c 

1  Page  257. 


MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM       119 

In  a  few  days  after  I  recived  this  appointment  I 
recived  my  inflructions  from  the  Secretary  of  war 
the  first  object  of  which  was  "to  attempt  to  be  pre- 
"  fent  at  the  General  Council  of  the  hostile  Indians 
**  about  to  be  held  on  the  Miami  river  of  Lake  Erie 
"  in  order  to  convince  the  Said  Indians  of  the  humain 
"  dispofitions  of  the  United  States,  and  there  by  to 
"  make  a  truce  or  peace  with  them  "  ^ 

I  arrived  a  Pittsburgh  the  2^  of  June  &  on  the  5*^ 
I  Sent  a  Speech  ^  to  the  hostile  tribes,  by  two  Munsee 
Indians  who  had  ben  taken  prifoners  &  whome  I 
released  for  that  purpos —  the  object  of  this  Speech 
was  to  notify  them  of  the  object  of  my  Mifsion  —  "  to 
**  request  them  to  open  a  path  to  Fort  Jefferfon  where 
"  I  expected  to  arrive  in  about  20  days,  and  that  they 
"  ihould  Send  Some  of  there  young  men  with  Cap* 
**  Hendrick  to  conduct  me  with  a  few  frinds  to  the 
"  place  they  Should  fix  on  for  our  meeting "  how- 
ever I  did  not  arrive  at  Fort  Wafhington  until  the  2^ 
of  July,  where  I  Learned  that  the  very  day  I  had 
Sent  word  to  the  Indians  that  I  proposed  to  be  at 
Fort  Jefferfon  about  100  Indians  with  new,  or  white 
Shirts  &  there  Chief  with  a  Scarlet  coate,  fell  on  a 
party  makeing  hay  in  the  neighbourhood  of  the  Fort 
&  killed  &  carried  off  16  men.  from  the  extreordi- 
nary  drefs  of  thefe  Indians  there  was  reafon  to  fus- 
pect  that  they  were  Sent  out  (or  at  Lest  furnished 
with  there  new  Shirts  by  the  British  agent)  for  the 
purpos  of  takeing  me  off  and  this  fuspition  was  fur- 
ther confirmed  Soon  after  by  information  of  the  cer- 
tain Murder  of  Col°  Hardy  &  Major  Truman  as  well 
as  Some  others  who  had  not  Long  Sence  ben  Sent 
too  them  with  Flaggs 

From  information  which  could  be  depened  on  I 

1  Page  257.  ^  Page  269. 


I20      MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM 

was  Soon  convined  that  the  Indians  who  met  at  the 
Great  Council  were  ditermined  for  war  and  that  it 
was  in  vain  to  make  any  further  attempts  to  bring 
them  to  treat  of  peace  at  prefent But  from  in- 
formation from  Major  Hamtramick  the  commanding 
officer  at  post  Vincent  there  was  reafon  to  believe 
Something  might  be  don  with  the  wabash  &  other 
more  western  Indians 

accordingly  on  the  24*^  of  July  I  Sent  a  Speech  1 
to  all  the  Western  tribes  inviting  them  to  meet  me 
in  council  at  post  vincent  the  20*^  of  September,  af- 
suring  them  that  I  Should  bring  there  frinds  &  rela- 
tions with  me  (meaing  the  Indian  prifoners  at  Fort 
Wafhington  — ) 

august  16*^  I  left  fort  Washington  with  the  Indian 
prifoners  &c  and  arrived  at  post  Vincent  on  the  13*^ 
of  September  &  the  Same  day  reflored  the  prifoners 
about  60  in  Number  to  there  frinds  —  with  a  fhort 
fpeech.2 

The  Councill  afsembled  on  the  25*^  &  continued  by 
adjournments  to  the  27*^  when  the  treaty  was  Signed 

A  Journal  of  the  proceedings  in  the  Council  held 
with  the  Indians  on  this  ocation,  with  other  papers 
preferved  on  file  will  give  a  full  account  in  what 
maner  I  executed  the  Mifsion  I  was  Sent  upon  — ^ 

how  far  my  conduct  met  the  approbation  of  the 
Prefident  of  the  United  States  the  following  Letter 
will  Show 

"  War  department 
"February  15th  1793 

Sir 

"  your  Letter  of  yesterday  has  ben  fubmited  to  the 
"  Prefident  of  the  United  States,  while  he  accepts 
"  your  refignation  he  regrets  that  your  ill  health, 

1  Page  307.  2  Page  333.  s  pages  335-384. 


MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM       121 

"  compells  you  to  Leave  the  army  as  he  had  antici- 
"  pated  much  good  to  the  troops  from  your  experi- 
"  ence  as  an  officer. 

"  He  has  commanded  me  to  tender  you  his  thanks 
"  for  the  zeal  and  judgment  manifested  in  your  Ne- 
"  gotiation  with  the  Wabash  Indians,  and  your  fur- 
"  ther  endevor  toward  a  general  pacification 

I  am  Sir  with  great  efleme 
"  Brigadier  General       your  obedient  Servent 
RuFus  Putnam  H  Knox 

Secretary  War  " 

N  B  the  tribes  of  Indians  reprefented  at  this 
treaty  were  the  Eel  Creeks,  Weaughtenoes  —  Pote- 
watemis  —  Mifsoutins,  Kikapoos  of  the  Wabash  & 

Peankafhaws Kaskaskies  &  Piorians.    and  the 

Number  of  Chiefs  who  Signed  the  treaty  was  31  — 
the  whole  number  prefent  —  247  Men  439  women 
&  Children  —  Total  686 

In  compliance  with  my  request  in  a  Speech  ^  made 
to  the  Indians  on  the  29*^  of  September,  a  number  of 
the  Chiefs,  I  believe  ten  Set  out  for  Philadelphia, 
conducted  by  L*  Prior — at  the  time  of  there  depar- 
ture I  was  incapable  of  any  bufmefs  &  left  the  per- 
ticuler  arrangment  to  Major  Hamtramick  &  M""  John 
Heckewelder,  the  Later  of  whome  was  to  go  with 
them  to  Marietta  &  there  wate  my  arrivel 

on  the  25*^  of  September  I  was  taken  with  the 
ague  &  feavor  wich  returned  upon  me  ever}'^  2^  day 
untill  the  30*^  from  which  time  the  fitts  returned 
every  day  fuccefsively  for  Several  days  &  the  fevor 
run  fo  high  that  I  was  not  able  to  attend  to  any  bufi- 
nefs  untill  the  6^^^  of  October,  on  which  day  the  fevor 
left  me  &  on  the  10*'^  althoe  Very  week  &  feable  I 
Set  out  by  water  from  Post  Vincent  —  on  the  18^^  I 

1  Page  366. 


122      MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM 

was  taken  with  a  relaps  of  the  Same  disorder.  &  it 
was  the  29*^  before  I  reached  the  falls  of  ohio  —  hav- 
ing for  12  days  fuffered  much  being  with  out  Physi- 
tian  or  Medicene,  and  no  accommodation  but  what 
the  boate  aforded — here  I  remained  untill  the  19**^ 
of  November  when  the  fitts  being  partly  broken,  I 
Set  out  for  Marietta,  where  I  arrived  the  18*^  of  De- 
cember, haveing  had  only  two  fitts  on  the  way,  yet 
remaining  very  weak  &  Low  — 

As  Soon  as  my  health  permitted  I  Set  out  for 
Philadelphia  and  haveing  made  my  reporte  to  the 
Secretary  of  War  —  and  on  the  14*^  of  February 
1793  religned  my  commifsion^  —  I  returned  to  my 
family,  haveing  through  the  good  providence  of  God 
in  a  good  degre  effected  Somthing  of  importence, 
but  not  the  main  object  of  my  MilTion  — 

All  the  Michief  don  by  Indians  dureing  my  ab- 
sence in  the  ohio  companys  purchas  &  even  to  the 
end  of  the  War  being  Hated  in  page  147  [114-115]  I 
Shall  Say  northing  further  refpecting  the  War,  but 
proceed  to  fome  further  account  of  the  Meafures 
prosecuted  for  Settling  the  ohio  Companys  Lands 

It  appears  from  our  yearly  Statements  that  there 
had  arrived  by  the  Last  of  December  1790  in  the 
Companys  purchas  exclusive  of  the  French  Ejni- 
grants —  447  men  103  of  whome  had  families,  that 
the  whole  Number  of  the  Militia  at  this  time  includ- 
ing old  men  &  civel  officers  did  not  exceed  287 
to  which  I  add  for  Burnhams  men  not  return*^ 

in  Militia  25- 

312 
So  that  312  men  is  the  highest  number  we  can  count 
as  our  whole  flrengh  when  the  war  brook  out  2^  Jan- 
ary  1791  and  of  thefe  312  only  226  remained  through 
the  war  and  recived  there  100  acres  of  Donation 

1  Page  384. 


MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM       123 

Land part  of  this  difference  is  to  be  accounted 

for  by  the  death  of  those  killed  by  the  Indians  & 
other  Deaths,  but  chefly  from  want  of  fortitude  of 
mind  &  confidence  in  the  honor  or  ability  of  the 
Company  to  fulfill  there  engagements  — 

But  while  many  were  forfakeing  the  Settlement 
others  came  in  efpecially  after  the  grant  of  Congrefs 
of  1 00000  acres  to  the  Directors  in  trust  to  be  given 
away  So  that  before  the  five  year  was  out  the  Direct- 
ors Granted  897  Lots  —  but  I  find  no  account  of  the 
time  of  the  arrivals  of  Settlers  after  the  year  1790  — 

I  have  faid  I  did  not  know  how  many  French 
arrived  at  Gallipolis  in  the  year  1790 —  but  on 
the  first  day  of  November  1 795  I  found  there  but  88 
of  18  years  of  age  &  upward  which  I  had  ocation 
to  afsertain,  by  ordor  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Trea- 
fury  Department  —  for  the  purpos  of  Surveying  and 
dividing  to  them  24000  acres  of  Land  Granted  by 
Congrefs  March  1795. 

To  give  an  account  of  the  Settlement  of  the  State 
of  ohio  or  of  the  Indian  War  beyond  the  Limits  of  the 
ohio  Companys  purchas  except  fo  far  as  I  was  perfon- 
ally  concerned  is  not  the  object  of  thefe  memores  — 

begining  with  the  year  1789  to  geneal  Wayns 
treaty  in  the  year  1795  I  find  within  the  ohio  Com- 
panys purchas  28  perfon  killed  7  taken  priibner  &  2 
wound.  —  in  Virginia  bordering  on  the  river  opposit 
the  Company  Lands  5  killed  i  taken  &  i  wounded. 
—  the  prifoners  all  returned  except  Philip  Stacy  who 
died  in  captivity  — 

N  B  I  count  James  Kelly  &  his  Son  Jofeph  as  in  the 
ohio  Companys  purchas,  —  and  M*"  Armftrong  opposit 
Belleprie  on  the  bank  of  ohio  had  Several  children 
taken  which  are  not  mentioned  in  the  above  account 

I  might  with  propriety  mention  a  number  of  in- 


124      MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM 

ilences  in  the  course  of  this  war  of  Gods  evidently 
appearing  by  his  providence  to  interpose  for  the  pre- 
fervation  of  our  inhabitence,  but  fuffise  it  to  remark, 
that  notwisflanding  the  very  frequent  pafsing,  both 
by  land  &  water  from  one  fettlement  to  another  & 
various  excourtions  abroad,  perticulerly  to  Wolf  creek 
Mill  for  grinding,  yet  on  none  of  those  ocations  were 
any  lives  Lost  or  other  injury  recived  from  the 
enimy 

For  my  felf  I  have  great  reafon  to  acknowledge 
the  Goodnefs  of  God  in  my  own  prefervation,  in  that 
while  much  Mifschief  was  don  on  the  ohio,  efpecially 
neer  the  mouth  of  the  Scioto  river,  I  made  three  voiges 
to  Cincinnati  with  out  being  molisted  by  the  Indians, 
althoe  Sometimes  alarmed  — 

On  the  24*  of  December  1 790  the  Directors  of  the 
ohio  Company,  Refolved  that  a  Superintendent  of 
Surveys  &c  be  appointed  —  which  System  was  ap- 
proved of  by  the  agents  April  4*^  1791  See  Jurnal  of 
C°  page  159 

May  26^^  1793  I  was  appointed  Superintendent  in 
purfuence  of  the  afore  Said  Refolves 
May  27*''  I  was  appointedent  to  carry  into  effect  the 
System  adopted  by  the  Trustees  for  granting  Dona- 
tion Lands  agreably  to  the  act  of  Congref  of  April 
21^*  1792 

And  we  actually  commenced  our  Survey  of  thefe 
Lands  the  11*^  of  December  1793,  the  War  notwith- 
ftanding 

In  1794  Col°  Pickering,  Postmaster  General,  pro- 
posed the  plan  of  carrying  a  Mail  from  Wheeling  to 
Lime  Hone  by  water,  on  this  ocation  I  was  confulted, 
the  plan  I  proposed  adopted  &  the  bufmefs  placed 
under  my  fuperintendence  —  See  Pickering  &  Hab- 
erfhams  Letters.^ 

1  Pages  386-405,  413-418. 


MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM       125 

And  in  Some  other  Matters  of  importence  I  was  Con- 
fulted  by  M''  Pickering  in  1795  &  1796  when  Secre- 
tary of  war  and  Secretary  of  Stat  &  my  opinions 
adopted, 1 

In  1 795  M""  Woolcot  Secretary  of  the  Treafury  com- 
mited  the  affairs  of  the  French  Settlers  at  GallipoHs 
to  my  care 

June  14*^  1796,  Sais  M""  Wolcott,  in  his  Letter, 
"  The  Prefident  of  the  United  States  has  ben  pleased 
"  to  confide  to  you,  the  bufmefs  of  carrying  into  effect 
"  an  act  of  Congrefs  entitled  "  An  act,  to  authorize 
"  Ebenezer  Zane  to  Locate  certain  Lands  in  the  ter- 
"  ritory  of  the  United  State  Northwest  of  the  river 
"  Ohio  " 

N  B  this  Law  provids  for  Laying  out  and  eflab- 
lishing  a  road  from  Wheeling  to  Lime  Stone  &c  & 
the  whole  by  this  appointment  placed  under  my 
Superintendence 

But  the  Last  &  best  gift  I  recived  from  Prefident 
Wafhington  was  anounced  in  a  Letter  from  M""  Sec- 
retary Pickering  enclofmg  a  Commifsion  of  Surveyor 
General  of  the  United  States,  bearing  date  the  First 
day  of  October  1796  — ^ 

In  what  manener  I  fulfiled  the  duties  of  this  of^ce 
I  Shall  leve  for  thofe  who  were  imployed  under  me 
&  best  informed  on  the  Subject  to  ditermine 

Indeed  I  might  appeal  to  my  corrispondence  with 
the  Secretaries  of  the  treafury,^  or  even  to  M*"  Galliten 
perfonally,  that  710  zvatit  of  ability^  integrity^  or  indiis- 
hy  was  the  caufe  of  my  removel  from  office,  no.  it 
was  don  because  I  did  not  Subscribe  to  the  Meafures 
of  him  whom  I  have  called.  Arch  enemy  to  Wafh- 
ingtons  Administration.  Because  I  did  not  die  nor 
refigne.  — 

1  Pages  405-409,  411.  2  Page  ^12.  8  Pages  419-426,  428-443. 


126      MEMOIRS   OF   RUFUS   PUTNAM 

M""  Jefferfon  in  his  reply  to  the  remonllrance  of  the 
Merchants  of  Newhaven,  asks  "how  are  vacancies  to 
"  be  obtained?  thofe  by  death  are  few,  by  refignation 
"  none,  can  any  other  mode  then  removel  be  proposed  ? 
"  I  fhall  proceed  with  deliberation  that  it  may  be 
"  thrown  as  much  as  pofsible  on  delinquency,  oppref- 
"  sion,  intollerence  and  Ante  revolutionary  adherence 
"  to  our  enemies" 

how  conlistent  is  this  dicleration  with  his  apoint- 
ment  of  M'  Mansfield,  well  known  to  be  an  active 
tory.  —  See  the  New  york  evening  post  of  December 
2^  1803 

M'  Gallitens  Letter  anouncing  M""  Mansfields  ap- 
point to  the  office  of  Surveyor  General,  bears  date 
the  21^*  of  September  1803  ^  yet  the  Editor  of  the 
evening  post  had  not  heard  of  it  untill  the  2<^  of  De- 
cember &  then  by  a  frind  of  Mine  from  Marietta, 
befides,  my  frind  Mr.  Jofeph  Nourse,  Register  of  the 
treasyry  department  in  a  Letter  of  the  7*^  of  Janu- 
ary 1804  in  anfwer  to  one  from  me  of  the  ly^'^  of  De- 
cember obferves  "  I  had  heard  it  reported  that  you 
"  were  no  Longer  in  office  but  as  it  had  not  ben 
"  anounced,  was  in  hopes  that  it  was  erronious,  untill 
"you  mentioned  it  in  your  Letter  — "  this  I  think 
Looks  a  little  Like  a  political  Martyrdom  which  it 
was  Wished  to  conceal  from  public  notoriety,  that 
my  frinds  might  not  have  fo  fair  an  oppertunity  of 
doing  public  Justice  to  my  character  —  but  be  that 
as  it  may,  I  am  happy  in  haveing  my  name  enroled 
with  many  others  who  have  fuffered  the  Like  politi- 
cal death,  for  adherence  to  those  correct  principles 
&  meafures  in  the  purfuence  of  which  our  country' 
rofe  from  a  State  of  weaknefs  disgrace  &  poverty,  to 
Strength,  Honor  &  Credit 

1  Page  439. 


OFFICIAL   PAPERS 
AND   CORRESPONDENCE 


OFFICIAL    PAPERS 
AND   CORRESPONDENCE 

gen''   WASHINGTON   ORDORS   TO   MARCH    FOR   NEW   YORK 

Head  Quarters  Cambridge  31.  March  1776  — 

Sir 

You  are  hereby  Order'd  to  march  to  New  York, 
by  the  way  of  Providence  —  When  you  arrive  at 
Providence  you  are  to  deHver  Governor  Cooke  the 
Letter  directed  for  him  and  afford  him  your  best 
advice  and  afsistance  in  the  Construction  of  the 
Works  there.  —  At  New  York  you  are  to  apply  to 
the  Commanding  Officer  of  the  Continental  Forces 
&  follow  such  Orders  &  directions  as  you  may  from 
time  to  time  receive  from  him.  — 
I  am  Sir 

Your  most  humble  Servant 

G° :  Washington 
Col°  RuFUS  Putnam  — 

COPPY  OF  LETTER  TO  GEN''  WASHINGTON 

Peaks  Kiln  November  1776 
Sir 

Sence  your  Exelency  Left  this  place  I  have  Ben 

to  Antonies  Nose,  and  I  Deleave  there  is  no  danger, 

of  the  Enimy  atempting  to   pofefs  it.     I  Returned 

this  day  from  a  Toure  up  Peaks  kiln  Hallow  about 

Eleven  mile   N   Eaftward  then   through   the   High 

Lands  into  the  fifh  kiln  Country  and  down  to  the  N 

River  then  Returned  by  the  Pofte  Roade    I  have  the 

Pleafure  to  Inform  you  that  I  think  it  Impofable  for 

a  Carrag  to  pafs  the  High  lands  by  this  Eaflern  Pafs 


I30       OFFICIAL  CORRESPONDENCE 

But  it  may  be  well  to  have  a  guard  keept  Here- 
abouts as  there  is  a  Number  of  Torys  Sheltering 
them  Selves  in  thefe  mountains  Waiting  an  opper- 
tunity  to  git  to  the  Minifleral  Army  about  4  mile 
further  Eaft  is  another  Pafs  through  the  Mountains 
But  I  am  Informed  by  good  authority  that  this  is 
much  Worfe  then  the  Lafl  mentioned  one  another 
Pafs  about  20  mile  from  the  Peaks  kiln  landing 
Leading  from  bedford  through  the  High  lands  the 
tel  me  is  a  Very  good  one  this  I  mean  to  See  to 
morrow  the  Barracks  and  other  works  Here  are 
Pufhing  as  fall  as  Pofable  I  have  defired  L*  Mechin 
to  Strenghen  the  Pofls  on  the  River  by  Redoubt  and 
other  out  Works  as  much  as  Pofable.  I  am  more 
then  Ever  Convinced  of  the  Neceflity  of  keep- 
ing a  pofl  at  Croton  or  Pine  Bridge  as  a  Protection 
to  that  part  of  the  Country  from  and  through  which 
Supplys  muft  be  Drawn  for  this  Pofl  and  alfo  as  a 
means  to  prevent  the  Enimy  from  makeing  any 
Excruilions  during  the  Winter  for  the  Purpos  of  git- 
ting  Supplys  I  Shall  after  my  next  toure  be  able  to 
Send  your  Exelency  a  Ruff  Draft  of  this  part  of  the 
Country  which  I  Shall  loofe  no  time  in  Performing 

LETTER   FROM    HIS    EXELENCY   GEN*-   WASHINGTON 

Head  Quarters  Valley  Forge  i  i""  April  1 778 
Sir, 

I  have  been  favored  with  yours  of  the  10*^  Feb   & 

12*^  March  to  which   I  should  have  replied  fooner 

had  I  not  been  taking  fome  Heps  to  inquire  whether 

the  Rank  of  Col°  of  Engineers  conferred  upon  you 

August,   12*^  1776  would  entitle  you  to  take  Rank 

in  the  Mafsachusets  line  as  from   that  time.    I  am 

inclined  to  think  it  would  give  great  disfatisfaction  to 

those  Colonels  who  were  elder  Lieut.  Col°^  than  you 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE         131 

were.  They  allow  that  you  have  Rank  in  the  great 
line  of  the  army  from  the  date  of  your  appointment 
as  Col°  of  Engineers,  but  in  the  line  of  Mafsachusets 
they  contend  that  you  only  Rank  from  the  time  you 
were  appointed  to  the  Command  of  a  Regiment  by 
the  State.  There  were  so  many  of  the  Field  Officers 
absent  who  are  interested  in  the  fettlement  of  this 
matter  that  a  Board  of  Gen^  Officers  who  met  to  de- 
termine it  could  not  effect  it  to  their  fatisfaction,  and 
I  therefore  wish  that  you  would  let  your  claim  rest 
until  it  can  be  more  fully  discufsed. 

I  am  S*" 

Your  most  Obet  S* 

G°  Washington 
Col°  Putnam 

LETTER   TO   HIS   EXELENCY 

Camp  White  Plains  Auguft  30"'  1778 
Sir 

Haveing  Seen  a  Lift  of  the  Maffachufett  line  of 
Collonels  Said  to  be  the  arangement  made  by  a 
Board  of  Gen^  officer  as  they  are  in  future  to  Rank, 
to  gather  with  the  Committee  of  arangemet  being 
arived  in  Camp  I  hope  your  Exelency  will  Con- 
fider  as  a  Sufficient  apollogie  for  my  Adrefsing  you 
at  this  time  on  the  Subject  of  my  owne  Rank 

In  your  letter  of  the  11*''  of  April  lafl^  you  Say  the 
MalTachufetts  Col°  "  Allow  that  I  have  Rank  in  the 
"  grate  line  of  the  Army  from  the  Date  of  my  ap- 

"  pointment  as  Col°  of  Engeneers but  in  the  line 

"  of  Maffachfits  they  Contend  that  I  only  Rank  from 
"  the  Time  of  my  apointmet  to  the  Command  of  a 
"  Regiment  by  the  State 

However  Jufl  this  Reafoning  may  appear  to  Some 

^  Page  130. 


132        OFFICIAL  CORRESPONDENCE 

I  can  by  no  means  Confent  too  it :  I  have  no  Idea  of 
Commanding  a  Col°  of  one  of  the  other  State  who 
may  Command  a  Col°  of  the  MalTachufetts  State, 
that  (by  this  Rule)  will  Command  me  at  the  Same 
time  Should  three  officers  under  thefe  Circumftancs 
be  ordored  on  duty  togather  nither  of  them  Could 
have  the  Command  of  the  whole  becaufe  they  would 
all  be  Commanded  by  one  a  nother.  Whitch  would 
bring  all  in  to  Confufition  and  Injure  the  Service 

if  thefe  Gentelmen  Should  admit  that  in  this  Cafe 
the  Malfachufetts  line  of  Rank  Should  give  way  to 
the  grate  line  of  the  Army  and  the  MalTachufetts  line 
Should  be  held  too  only  when  on  Duty  with  MalTa- 
chufetts officers  it  would  Releave  us  Very  little  and 
opens  a  dore  for  the  worfl  of  Confequences  —  as  it 
Tends  in  my  opinion  to  prevent  any  Reguler  Line 
of  Rank  ever  being  Eflablifhed  through  the  army 
but  admit  that  this  would  be  a  good  Rule  in  future  it 
ought  to  be  Rejected  in  the  Prefent  Cafe  for  till  the 
Refolve  of  the  Congrefs  1776  ordoring  88  Battallions 
to  be  Raifed  during  the  war  and  propotioning  the 
Number  to  Each  State  there  was  no  Such  thing  as  a 
MalTachufetts  line  So  far  from  it  that  when  the  Reg* 
ware  Raifed  for  the  Servis  of  ye  year  1776  there  was 
Some  Pains  Taken  to  Inter  mix  officers  of  the  Dif- 
ferent Stats  in  the  Same  Regiment,  and  there  was 
No  State  appointment  in  the  Army  wherefore  thefe 
Gentelmens  Pretention  to  Rank  in  the  MalTachufetts 
line  in  the  Prefent  Army  cannot  arife  from  there  former 
Rank  that  line  becaufe  there  was  no  Such  line,  but 
from  there  former  Rank  in  the  line  of  the  Army  at 
large  northing  I  think  Can  be  more  fancifull  then 
this  and  therefore  no  Reafon  I  prefume  Can  be  given 
why  in  Setling  the  Prefent  MalTachufett  line  I  Should 
not  Receve  Equil  advantage  from  my  appontment 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE         133 

as  Col°  of  Engineers  in  that  line  as  in  the  grate  line 
of  the  Army,  according  to  their  argument  L*  Col° 
Sherman  of  Col°  Webbs  Reg*  Shall  have  no  advan- 
tage of  Rank  in  the  Connecticut  line  from  the  Ma- 
jourity  he  had  in  1776  becaufe  it  was  under  a  MalTa- 
chufett  Col''  nor  I  from  my  L*  Colonecy  becaufe  I  was 

that  year  under  a  Connecticut  Col° the  gentel- 

men  Ranked  befor  me  in  the  lift  which  I  have  Seen 
and  which  I  think  ought  not  to  be  is  Col°  Shepard 
and  Col°  Wigelfworth  the  one  is  the  3^^  the  other 
the  4*^  and  I  am  the  5*^  in  1775  Col°  Shepard  and  I 
were  L*  Col°  togather  and  he  out  Ranked  me  I  know 
alfo  that  had  he  obtained  the  Regt  when  Col''  Learned 
Refigned  he  would  Still  out  Rank  me  but  this  was 
not  the  Cafe  if  it  Should  be  Said  that  his  Command- 
ing the  Reg*  before  my  apointment  alters  the  Cafe  I 
anfwer  that  I  Commanded  a  Regimet  in  1775  after 
Col°  David  Brewer  was  Dismifsed  as  long  as  Col° 
Shepard  did  in  ye  year  1776  Before  my  apointmt  to 
the  Rank  of  a  Col°  and  that  he  had  not  the  Rank  of 
a  Col°  in  the  Army  till  Neer  three  months  after  I  had 
therefore  I  See  no  Reafon  of  his  being  aranged  Be- 
fore me 

Col°  Wigelsworth  I  am  Told  was  not  in  the  army 
at  all  in  1775  —  the  first  I  ever  heard  of  him  was  in 
1776  he  Commanded  a  Regt  of  New  Levies  to  the 
Northward :  it  is  Pofable  if  I  had  Quited  the  Service 
in  the  fall  of  1775  that  I  might  have  had  one  of  thofe 
Regiments  I  knew  a  Major  who  was  Rejected  by 
the  Gen^  officer  as  a  Major  in  1775  who  obtained  one 
of  them  and  a  L*  a  Major  in  the  Same  Regiment  I 
Speek  not  this  to  Detract  from  Col°  Wigelsworth  I 
elleam  him  much  but  to  Ihew  where  this  Rule  will 
Carry  us  if  Purfued. 

my  own  Pretentions  are  as  follows    I  was  foure 


134       OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

years  the  lall  War  in  the  actual  Service  of  my  Coun- 
try [?]  the  lafl  of  which  I  had  an  Enfigns  Comnition 
I  Left  home  the  19*^  of  April  1775  from  which  time 
till  the  12  of  august  1776  I  Served  as  L*  Col°  when  I 
was  appointed  Engeneer  with  the  Rank  of  Col°  in 
the  army 

that  under  thefe  Circumflances  any  Gentelman 
who  began  his  Service  in  1776  in  the  maner  Col° 
wigelsworth  did  Should  be  aranged  before  me  I  Con- 
cive  to  be  Very  Injurious  not  only  to  me  but  all  other 
in  my  Sittuation  (Exclucve  of  the  Idea  of  my  ap- 
pointment as  Col°  of  Engeneers  — 

if  this  arangment  is  not  fully  Eflablifhed  I  pray 
your  Exelency  to  take  my  Cafe  in  Confideration  and 
order  Some  Meafurs  to  be  Taken  for  my  obtainig 
Jullice  :  if  this  arangment  is  Unalterably  Eflablifhed  : 
Honour  the  first  Prinfible  of  a  Soldier  obliges  me  to 
alk  a  discharge  which  I  defier  your  Exelency  will 
grant  or  procure  Granted  by  Congrefs 


LETTER    FROM    GEN^   M'^DOUGALL 

Head-Quarters  Peek's-Kill 

Feby  27th  1779  — 
Sir 

I  did  not  intend  Nixons  shou'd  have  marched 
with  you,  but  from  present  appearances  the  Service 
will  not  Suffer  by  it  —  Col°  Loring  has  four  boxes  of 
Spare  Amunintion  with  him ;  as  the  Enemy  is  retir- 
ing, he  will  be  found  on  the  North  Castle  Road,  lead- 
ing to  the  Plains.  —  If  the  Enemy  move,  or  appear 
in  Force  on  the  River,  or  a  movement  on  it  in  force 
shou'd  apparently  be  intended,  —  quicken  the  march 
of  the  Brigade,  on  the  best  &  Shortest  routs  to 
Pecks-Kill,  &  let  your  Regiment  halt  at  M'^  Lents, 
where  the  New  Road  leads  to  Kings  Ferry,  —  there 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        135 

wait  Orders ;  —  If  you  retire  on  the  North  River 
Road,  In  this  Case,  drive  all  the  Horses  Cattle  & 
Sheep  before  you 

Your  humble  Servant 

Alex  M<^Dougall 
Col°  Commit 
Putnam 

LETTER   TO   GEN*-   M^DOUGAL 

Hayns  House  Near  Croton  Feby  28  1779 
Sir 

agreeable  to  your  ordor  of  the  26  Inllent  Rec^  12 
Clock  P  M  I  marched  with  my  owne  Reg*  as  soon  as 
posible  to  Joyne  Col°  Burr  and  ordored  Nixons  to 
follow,  as  I  had  not  then  the  lealt  doubt  of  its  being 
your  Intention  they  Should  as  in  Major  Platts  letter 
there  was  no  deftintion  of  Reg*^  Except  the  Pirticu- 
ler  Route  of  Graton  as  the  Movements  of  the  Enimy 
Should  Point  out  I  was  Senfible  it  was  Drawing  all 
the  Troops  from  Kings  ferry  and  peeks  kill  but  I 
Supposed  Learneds  Brigade  w^are  ordored  down  to 
that  Quarter.  I  was  there  fore  much  Supprifed  on 
Reciving  your  Letter  of  the  27*^^  to  find  I  had  acted 
Contrerar}?-  to  your  Intention  you  are  kind  enough 
by  way  of  apoligie  for  me  ;  to  Say  "  but  from  prefent 
"  appearance  the  Service  will  not  Suffer,  but  this  Sir 
is  in  my  opinion  No  Excufe  for  me  for  the  Enimys 
Movements  might  have  ben  Different  you  might  not 
have  known  Nixons  Reg*  was  gon  and  the  Service 
might  have  Suffered  by  this  mistake  as  much  as  in 
any  mistake  (or  even  Diobedence  of  ordor)  what- 
ever. I  am  Sir  perfectly  in  Humour  but  a  Mistake 
has  ben  Commited  by  Some  Body  and  I  have  a  Ser- 
tain  Quallity  about  me  that  bids  me  git  Rid  of  it  if 

1  Page  134. 


136        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

I  can  fairly,  which  I  think  I  Shall  Very  elily  when 
your  Honour  Confiders  Major  Platts  letter  and  a 
Col°  Duty  when  he  Commands  a  Brigade  ;  I  beleave 
its  the  Invariable  Cuflom  in  this  Cafe  that  he  takes 
no  more  Command  of  his  owne  Reg*^  then  any  other 
unlefs  he  is  Pirticularly  ordored  So  to  do  and  I  must 
Confefs  from  Major  Platts  letter  I  have  no  I  dear  that 
my  Command  was  to  be  come  Regimental  only,  but 
to  have  done  with  Subject  when  I  arrived  at  Tarry 
Town  I  heard  Col°  Burr  was  Marched  in  Quest  of 
the  Enimy  I  Sent  Major  Trotter  Immediately  for- 
ward to  know  his  Sittuation  and  advife  with  him 
what  ordors  to  Send  to  Col°  Loreing  about  3  Clock 
P  M  y^  27^^^  I  meet  Col°  Hammond  a  Mile  below 
White  plains  Major  Trotter  Sent  me  a  Billit  by  him 
that  the  Enimy  had  given  Col°  Burr  the  Slip  at  Mar- 
rinek  and  advised  me  to  Halt,  which  I  did  in  about 
half  an  hour  after  I  had  Intiligance  that  Col°  Burr  was 
on  his  Return  I  Sent  Immediately  to  halt  Col°  Smith 
and  Col*^  Loareing  I  Suppofed  would  not  Come 
farther  then  North  Callle  with  out  Further  ordors 

I  Sent  Major  Trotter  this  morning  early  to  Turne 
Col°  Loreing  Back  and  Returned  with  the  other  two 
Regiment  to  there  old  Quarters 

when  I  was  with  you  lafl  I  mentioned  a  New 
Route  from  Col°  Drakes  to  the  New  Bridge  I  came 
Home  that  way  and  find  it  Exceeds  my  Expectation 
if  the  Commefary  and  artificers  are  obliged  to  Ritire 
it  will  be  by  that  Route 

the  Gaily  that  Came  up  to  Tarrytown  on  the  26* 
lise  there  yet.  I  think  if  the  Guards  do  there  duty  I 
am  efetually  provided  againfl  any  Supprise  if  there 
Should  any  Number  of  Gallys  come  up  as  far  this 
place  I  fhould  think  it  best  to  have  the  Quarters  of 
the  Brigade  lefs  Extenlive  which  might  be  effected 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        137 

by  Quartering  them  in  Barns  as  well  as  Houfes 
which  may  be  don  with  out  much  Inconveenency  to 
the  men,  in  any  wathe  the  Gallys  will  be  likely  to  be 
up  the  River,  and  the  Guards  might  be  better  looked 
in  too  and  the  duty  much  efir  for  the  Men 


REPORT     TO    HIS     EXELENCY      PREVIUS     TO     THE    ATTACK     OF 

STONEY    PONT 

Constitution  Island  July  13th  1779 
Report  of  obfervations  made  at  Vanplanks  Point 
taken  this  Morning 

the  Roof  of  the  Block  Houfe  in  Fort  De  La  Fy- 
atte  taken  oH  Proverbelly  with  a  Defigne  to  add 
another  Story  of  Timber  work  —  the  Block  houfe  on 
Stonney  hill  quite  inclofed  with  a  parrepet.  a  New 
flafh  or  Redan  in  a  line  of  there  other  works  Next 
the  Block  houfe  on  the  North  River  a  New  work 
on  the  old  Barbitt  battery,  —  built  by  the  americans 
Enlarged  and  Eambrafure  made  which  Rake  the 
beach  and  flats  towards  the  bridge,  the  abbette 
[abatis]  in  front  of  there  works  continued  down  the 
bank  and  acrofs  the  beach  to  Low  warter  marke 

from  the  Bridge  acrofs  the  Marfh  towards  the 
Stone  houfe  is  about  Eighty  Rod  the  Beach  here  at 
low  warter,  is  about  three  Rod  wide  nearly  on  a  levil 
with  the  Marfh  where  was  a  Small  fier  where  I  appre- 
hend a  night  picket  is  ported  after  you  leave  the 
Marfh  between  the  high  bank  and  the  warter  the 
beach  is  not  Quite  So  wide  the  distence  to  march 
here  before  you  are  in  the  Rear  of  there  line  of  works 
is  alfo  about  Eighty  Rod  directly  in  front  and  under 
the  Rake  of  the  afore  Said  american  battery  which 
is  Retiered  from  there  line  of  Works  and  is  built  on 
a  part  of  the  Point  that  projects  more  in  to  the  bay 


138        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

and  Servs  as  a  kind  of  flank  and  in  front  of  which 
there  Encampment  mufl  be  entered 

I  had  in  my  party  a  Number  of  intiligent  Soldiers 
of  Col°  Nixon  Regiment  who  were  Stationed  in  the 
Spring  of  laft  year ;  and  this  at  the  Stone  houfe  I 
proposed  to  them  laft  eving  to  pilate  me  acrofs  the 
crick  below  the  bridge  in  ordor  as  I  pretended  to 
take  of  Some  of  the  out  guards  they  told  me  about 
three  Rod  from  the  bridge  they  Could  take  me 
acrofs  where  the  warter  at  lo  tide  was  not  more  then 
knee  deep  I  wilhed  them  to  carry  me  further  oflf  in 
ordor  to  avoide  a  Sentry  which  I  apprehended  might 
be  pofted  at  the  bridge  they  told  me  they  could  not 
I  afked  them  why  they  Said  the  flats  was  mire  knee 
deep  in  general  and  Some  places  much  deeper  I 
afked  them  if  they  were  Sure  of  it  they  Said  yes 
they  had  often  waided  in  upon  them  and  Some  of 
them  had  on  a  bar  that  Run  out  ben  Quite  to  the 
Island  I  afked  them  if  there  was  no  giting  to  the 
Beach  in  Rear  of  the  bridge  from  the  Island  they 
Said  no.  I  afked  then  if  there  was  no  weidening 
place  up  the  crick  in  the  Marfh  they  Said  there  was 
Nearly  oppofit  the  block  house  but  the  did  not  know 
if  they  could  find  it  in  the  night  and  aded  the  Crick 
was  very  winding  Runing  Quite  acrofs  the  Marfh 
Several  times  and  they  knew  of  but  one  place  that 
it  was  fordable  —  I  afked  them  if  this  crick  had 
communication  with  the  other  above  the  point  they 
Said  they  beleved  not.  they  had  gon  from  the  grate 
Rode  by  a  Sertain  log  houfe  (which  they  defcribed) 
to  the  Stone  houfe  on  the  Point  in  a  foot  path  in 
which  they  crofsed  only  a  Very  Small  Rum  and  that 
it  was  hard  ground  in  general 

the  bridge  over  the  crick  at  the  upper  end  of  the 
point  is  not  only  Striped  of  the  plank  but  the  String 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        139 

pieces  are  most  of  them  gon  the  butment  only  Re- 
main good  —  I  took  my  Stand  this  morning  before 
light  a  few  Rods  from  the  old  church  the  morning 
was  not  So  favourable  as  I  could  have  wifhed  but  I 
had  Several  fair  obfervation  as  the  Sun  pafsed  through 
the  openings  of  the  clouds  I  could  See  very  little  of 
the  works  on  Stonney  Point  Northing  to  contradict 
my  obfervation  made  from  the  hill  on  the  weft  Sid 
the  River —  on  the  beach  South  of  the  crick  that 
Sepperets  Stonney  point  or  Island  from  the  main 
I  discovered  a  Small  guard  Round  a  fier  —  and  on 
Vanplanks  Point  neare  the  edge  of  the  hill  coming  onto 
the  Marfh  from  the  Stone  houle  towards  the  bridge 
was  alfo  a  fier  where  I  conclude  they  had  a  picket 
in  the  night  and  from  which  a  Sentr}^  it  is  most  pro- 
verble  is  pofted  on  the  beech  at  or  neare  the  Bridge 
haveing  made  all  the  obfervations  in  my  power  and 
being  determened  to  come  Immediately  to  camp  I 
marched  my  party  which  confifted  of  fifty  (Rank  & 
file)  and  paraded  them  in  open  Vew  Near  the  church 
they  maned  there  works  and  the  guad  at  the  Stone 
houfe  Turned  out  which  Confifted  of  one  officer  and 
about  20  men.  the  Exceftive  Rain  while  I  was  out  pre- 
vented my  being  abel  to  perform  the  Service  Sooner 
I  am  Sir  your  Humble  Serv* 

Exelency  Genl  WASHINGTON 

there  is  no  posability  of  carrying  artillery  from  peaks 
kill  to  the  brick  Houfe  or  church  without  pafsing  the 
common  Rode  in  that  part  oppofit  the  upper  end  of 
the  Point 

Sence  I  Saw  your  Exelency  in  converfation  with 
L*  Col"  Smith  and  Major  Thompfon  they  Informed 
me  that  when  a  part  of  Col°  Nixons  Regiment  was 
Stationed  in  Forte  De  La  Fyette,  they  Examined 


I40        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

the  foot  path  (Spocken  of  by  the  Soldiers)  leading  off 
between  the  two  cricks  in  ordor  to  make  their  Re- 
treat that  way  in  cafe  the  Enimy  had  polTeftion  of 
the  two  Bridges  Col°  Smith  and  Major  Thomfon 
gave  the  Same  account  as  mentioned  by  the  Soldiers 
and  add  that  at  prefent  no  cariages  can  pafs  that 
way  but  it  may  be  made  a  Tollarable  Rode,  when  I 
had  determind  to  Return  I  Shew  my  party  neare  the 
church  they  maned  there  works  and  an  officers 
guard  of  about  20  parraded  by  the  Stone  Houfe 
which  Remains  only  Inclofed  with  an  abbettee 

the  bridge  over  Peeks  kill  below  Continental  vil- 
lage was  brook  up  when  our  people  left  that  Quarter 

LETTER   TO  HIS  EXELENCY 

Light  Infentry  Camp  Auguft  8th  1779 
Dear  General 

Inclofed  is  a  Coppy  of  a  letter  Just  Recived  from 
Col°  Fleury.  I  have  Some  time  meditated  an  attack 
on  the  Enemyes  picket  but  from  defertions  from  our 
parties  below  which  has  happened  almoll  every  day 
this  week  pall  I  have  ben  diverted  from  it  Col° 
Fleury  yeflerday  propofed  going  down  I  thought 
the  Wether  favorable  to  the  Defigne  and  hoped  the 
event  would  have  ben  fortunate 

Col°  Butler  was  down  a  few  days  ago  with  150 
men  he  brought  an  ordor  for  them  from  General 
Wayne  I  know  northing  of  his  plan  or  the  obferva- 
tion  he  made 

the  Enimy  have  a  Roe  Boat  up  as  far  as  Sailsburys 
Island 

I  have  nearly  Complected  a  Circuler  Flafh  with 
two  Embrefures  at  Fort  Montgommery  which  Rake 
the  River  Quite  from  Antonys  Nose  to  Fort  Clinton 
—  and  one  Embrefure  that  looks  up  the  River 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        141 

I  shael  begin  no  other  work  with  out  your  furthe 
orders 

I  am  with  the  Highest  Refpect  your 
Excelencys  Humble  Serve* 

LETTER    FROM    GEN''   WAYNE  ^ 

ACQUAKENCUNK    BRIDGE  15th  Nov.  1 779 

One  oclock.  A.  m. 

Dear  Sir 

I  am  favored  with  yours  of  lo  oClock  last  Even- 
ing &  approve  of  your  halt  until  you  are  fully  In- 
formed of  the  truth  or  falsity  of  the  Report,  — 
should  it  prove  true,  you'l  endeavor  to  discover  the 
Enemie's  numbers  &c.  &  if  thought  practicable  to 
attempt  them,  I  will  join  you  with  the  Remainder  of 
the  troops,  —  otherwise  you'l   retire  with    Caution, 

looking  well  to  your  left  at  Closter  [?]  Landing 

as  the  Enemy  may  Otherwise  throw  you  by  the 
Paramus  Route  —  should  it  be  a  false  alarm  we  per- 
haps may  not  have  an  Other  Opportunity  to  Effect 
the  businefs 

Yours  Sincerely 

Ant^  Wayne 
(^oio  Putnam 

A   LETTER   FROM    GEN^   WAYNE 

Light  Infantry  Camp  Second  River 
nth  Dec  1779 
Dear  Sir 

His  Excellency  is  very  desirous  to  ascertain 
whether  the  Enemy  have  made  an  Embarkation 
or  not,  —  I  am  Informed  that  from  Peth  Amboy 
which  is  about  20  Miles  from  this  place,  a  very  good 
view  may  be   had   of   the   Bay  &  Sandy  Hook  — 

1  In  the  collection  of  Charles  G.  Slack,  Esq.,  Marietta,  Ohio. 


142        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

which  together  with  accounts  to  be  procured  from 
the  Inhabitants,  may  enable  you  to  determine  whether 
an  Considerable  number  have  sailed 

I  have  directed  an  Officer  &  Eight  Dragoons  to 
attend  at  your  quarters  —  and  wish  you  to  pro- 
ceed to  that  place  or  some  other  good  lookout  as 
soon  as  pofsible  —  you  had  better  return  as  far  as 
Eliz*^  Town  this  Evening  —  perhaps  Col°  Seeley 
may  save  you  the  trouble  of  proceeding  further  by 
Certain  Intelligence  of  their  Sailing —  I  wou'd  there- 
fore wish  you  to  call  on  him  on  your  way  down 

I  am  Sir  your  Hum^  Ser^ 

Ant^  Wayne 

NB   you  will  find  an  Order 
on  any  forage  Master  for 
such  Hay  or  Grain  as  you 
may  want  for  the  use  of  the  party  ^ 

Col°  Putnam. 

COPPY    OF    LETTER   TO    PRESIDENT    OF   COUNCILL.^ 

Soldiers  Fortune  April  ye  22<i  1780 
Sir 

Agreeable  to  ordors  recived  from  Major  General 
Howe  I  have  Sent  Cap*  Benj"  Gardner  Enfigne  Pel- 
etiah  Everitt  and  Enfign  Clark  with  a  Noncommif- 
lioned  officer  into  the  State  on  the  recruting  Service 

I  have  directed  them  to  Notefie  there  arrivel  to  the 
Honorable  Councill  &  Major  General  Heath  and  to 
follow  their  or  his  Inflructions  or  the  Directions  of  the 
Field  officer  who  may  be  appointed  to  Superintend 
the  Recruiting  Service 

I  wilh  them  much  Sucefs  but  I  greatly  feare  they  or 
any  others  will  have  little :  one  thing  which  I  think 

1  Jeremiah  Powell. 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        143 

will  Greatly  Impead  there  Succefs  is  the  Deduct- 
ing the  Town  Bounties  in  Ballancing  the  Soldiers 
accounts 

The  Soldiers  know  very  well  how  to  Diflinguifh 
between  Bounty  and  wages  &  that  at  the  time  of 
Inlifling ;  the  Town,  as  well  as  State  and  Contnantal 
Bounty  was  a  part  of  the  Contract  Intirly  Seperate 
from  his  wages  and  had  no  more  apprehention  of 
haveing  it  taken  from  him  then  any  other  part  of  his 
property 

I  have  not  the  Vanity  of  being  thought  a  politician 
nor  the  Prefumtion  to  Teach  the  Senators  of  my 
Country  —  but  I  think  the  Honorable  Council  & 
Afembly  ought  to  know  and  that  it  is  my  duty  to  tell 
you  what  the  General  Sentments  of  the  officers  of 
the  army  are  on  this  head 

That  the  Town  bounties  are  the  legal  acquired  pro- 
perty of  the  Soldier,  as  much  as  any  he  Poffeses  ;  is 
to  me  a  Self  evident  propofition  and  he  that  Should 
deny  it  would  want  better  evidence  then  his  Eyes  to 
prove  that  the  Sun  Shined  in  a  clear  Day,  nor  will 
any  I  Suppole  deny  but  the  Soldiers  Property  is 
as  Legally  obtained,  and  as  Sacred  as  other  peoples 
for  althoe  by  a  Body  I  would  ever  Revere  the  offi- 
cers of  the  Army  are  Excluded  from  Some  of  the 
priviledges  of  Denizens,  yet  I  beleve  none  will  ever 
pretend  that  the  men  who  at  your  Call  Steped  forth 
into  the  field  as  it  ware  With  Halters  about  there  necks 
for  the  defence  of  Liberty  and  property  ;  who  never 
have  nor  never  Wilh  to  forfake  its  Caufe ;  who  thoe 
many  times  Naked  and  dellitute  yet  have  Perfe- 
veared  through  could  Wet  and  dry  with  a  Virtue 
Unperleled  in  Hillory  —  I  Say  I  Beleve  none  will 
ever  pretend  that  the  property  of  thefe  men  Should 
be  lefs  guarded  then  others  or  that  any  Leglifhleture 


144        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

on  earth  Shall  Wantonly  or  Illegally  Deprive  them 
of  a  penny  — 

Wherefore  I  conclude  that  if  it  be  True  that  the 
Town  Bountis  was  a  Part  of  the  Contract  Intierly 
Separat  from  the  Idea  of  Wages  that  this  Bounty  is 
the  Soldiers  legal  acquired  property  as  much  as  any 
he  polTeses  that  this  is  as  legally  acquired  and  to  be 
as  Sacredly  Guarded  as  other  peopels 

Then  it  follows  that  it  is  not  in  the  Power  of  any 
Leglifhlature  on  earth  to  Discese  him  of  it  without 
Violateing  the  Natural  Rights  of  mankind  —  Unlefs  it 
be  by  legal  Forfiture — What  crime  is  chargable  on 
the  Soldier  I  am  at  a  lofs  to  concve.  I  am  told  the 
deducting  the  Bounties  is  on  the  prinfible  of  equil 
Juflice.  this  Idea  Implys  that  it  was  Injufl  or  unlawfull 
for  the  Soldier  after  Serveing  one  and  prehaps  two 
Campaigns  (and  doing  what  they  call  there  own 
turn)  to  Recive  a  Hire  or  bounty  to  do  a  Turn  for 
any  other  Individuals  or  the  Town  at  large ;  that 
money  obtained  by  Such  Sail  of  Service  even  althoe  it 
was  don  on  the  prinfible  of  makeing  the  Burden  of 
the  War  Equil  is  no  better  then  Robery  and  the  party 
comes  very  well  off  if  he  meets  with  no  other  punifh- 
ment  then  the  forfiture  of  the  money  So  obtained  — 
or  this  principle  of  doing  equil  Juflice  mull  Imply 
that  the  Soldiers  Should  have  no  Ideas  of  Seperate 
property  or  of  acquired  perfonal  property  but  that 
What  they  have  ben  taught  to  conlider  as  there  own, 
is  really  the  property  of  the  State  which  they  have  a 
right  to  take  when  they  pleafe  or  at  leall  Such  a  part 
of  it  as  will  leve  the  Soldiers  Equelly  Poor 

on  Such  Ideas  of  Equil  Juflice  or  any  that  can  be 
drawn  from  the  premifes  I  can  concive  no  greater 
abfurdity  in  leveling  the  property  of  the  whole  Com- 
munity then  in  deducting  the  Town  Bounty  from  the 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        145 

Soldiers  the  one  may  be  more  difiquelt  then  the 
other  to  effect  which  is  the  only  differenc  I  can  Con- 
cive —  I  am  aware  that  it  will  be  objected  that  by 
the  Refolve  of  February  1779  Refpecting  Makeing 
good  the  depretiation  of  the  Soldiers  Wages  the 
Town  Bounties  ware  to  be  taken  Into  Confideration 
—  to  which  I  anfwer  that  the  Court  might  as  well 
have  Refolved  not  to  make  good  any  depretiation 
as  to  have  Refolved  they  would  make  it  good  only 
in  part  or  which  is  the  Same  thing  that  the  Town 
Bountys  Should  be  Taken  into  Confideration  and 
Charged  as  wages —  to  Say  the  leafl  the  only  dif- 
ference is  the  one  is  a  grater  act  of  Injustice  the 
other  a  lefs.  but  if  the  fore  going  proportions  are 
true  the  former  is  by  no  means  of  So  dangerous  a 
Tendency  as  the  latter  for  as  the  Refufeing  to  make 
good  the  depretiation  of  the  money  would  have  ben 
no  more  then  the  Refufeing  to  pay  a  Jufl  debt  on 
the  Same  prinfiple  that  paper  money  Should  pay 
Silver  debts,  there  would  be  no  want  of  a  prefident 
in  its  favor  nor  Pretended  Reafons  in  its  favor  but 
for  a  Legliflature  to  take  from  me  the  property  that 
I  have  acquired  by  privet  Contract  or  any  othe  law- 
full  means  and  for  no  other  Reafon  then  Becaufe  I 
have  Traded  to  better  advantage  then  othes —  is 

a  Meafure 1  will  not  name  —  and  is  big  with  a 

Mifchief  I  Shuder  to  think  of 

Thus  I  have  Indeavored  to  give  you  a  Jul!  Idea  of 
the  opinon  the  Army  (So  far  as  I  am  acquainted  with 
there  Sentments)  entertain  of  the  Matter  and  which 
to  them  appears  an  Infermountable  obflical  to  the 
Recruiting  men  for  the  War —  I  may  have  don  it 
in  a  language  prehaps  Quite  UnCourtly  and  too  In- 
dilicate  for  the  ears  of  So  August  a  Body  to  hear  yet 
I  can  only  apologize  by  Saying  they  are  the  sent- 


146        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

merits  of  an  Independent  Honeft  Hart ;  &  my  only 
motive  (in  the  painfull  Tafk)  is  to  give  you  that  Infor- 
mation he  thinks  you  ought  to  have that  you 

may  not  have  too  grate  dependence  on  filling  your 
Regiment  by  Voluntary  Inliflment  when  he  thinks 
the  profpect  So  very  Small 

if  I  am  MiHaken  and  there  fhould  be  any  confider- 
able  Number  InliHed  I  fhall  be  moll  happily  disap- 
ponted  —  but  if  the  Contrerary  and  there  Should  be 
few  Raifed  or  the  Regiments  filled  with  levies  for  a 
Ihort  time  which  from  the  nature  of  there  Ingagemt 
can  by  no  means  be  depended  on  equil  with  Reguler 
Troops  and  any  fatal  Confequences  fhould  Enfue  the 
World  will  Judge  whither  the  Gentelmen  of  the  army 
and  they  only  are  to  Blame 

LETTER    FROM    COL°    THOMPSON 

Long  Island  New  Utricht  May  i.  1780 
Dear  Sir 

Yours  of  April  19*^  Came  to  hand  accept  my  Sin- 
cere thanks  for  your  kind  Wishes  —  as  you  Observe 
I  have  taken  a  Different  Post  from  what  I  Expected 
but  hope  I  shall  Support  it  with  the  Fortitude  of  a 
Soldier,  if  Humanity  is  the  Truly  &  Distinguished 
Characteristic  of  the  Brave  I  am  among  those  who 
are  Truly  So  meaning  the  particular  Family  I  live 
in  —  I  am  happy  to  hear  my  Friends  In  the  Army 
are  well,  and  that  my  Friend  cap*  Goodale  is  Better 
—  your  hopes  of  a  General  Exchange  I  fear  are  frus- 
trated—please make  my  Compliments  to  all  the 
Gentlemen  of  my  Acquaintance  In  the  Army  —  Ac- 
cept the  Thanks  of  the  Whole  of  the  Mafsachusets 
Officers  for  your  very  kind  Afsistance  to  their  Agent 
In  procuring  the  Supply  he  has  brought  us.  &  De- 
pend they  E^ch  wish  the  Oppertunity  to  give  you 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        147 

Thanks  in  person.    In  hopes  this  May  foon  be  the 
Case  — 

Believe  Me  to  be 
Dear  Sir 
Your  Much  Oblig'd 
&  Most  Obed* 
Hum'^  Servant 

Joseph  Thompson 
Col.  Putnam 

LETTER   FROM   GEN'-    HOWE 

Head  Quarters  Highlands. 
May  24th  1 780 
Dear  Sir 

I  have  ordered  sevanty  five  Men  under  a  Maj""  from 
Gen^  Glovers  Brigade,  to  hold  themselv's  in  constant 
readinefs  to  Join  you  when  ever  you  should  order  it, 
which  you  will  do  when  you  think  it  necefsary  — 

I  think  Col.  Miller  should  be  inform'd  of  your  ap- 
proach, and  design,  and  that  you  should  aid,  and 
cooperate  with  each  other  should  it  become  requisite. 
If  you  should  outstay  the  Provision  you  have  been 
served  with,  and  can  not  supply  yourself  where  you 
are,  you  will  apply  to  Commifsary  Forsyth,  or  any 
other  Commifsary  you  think  proper  —  It  would  not 
be  improper  to  have  some  look  outs  upon  the  River 
below  you,  lest  the  Enemy  while  they  amuse  us  an- 
other way,  should  operate  that  way,  especially  as  the 
Gen^  Writes  me  that  they  have  Vefsels  in  the  North 
River 

I  am  Dear  Sir 
NB  With  Respect 

I  enclose  you  a  letter  to  Y*"  Most  Ob^  Se* 

Col.  Miller,  which  you  will  Rort  Howe 

read  Seal  and  forward  to 
him  as  soon  as  pofsible 


148        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

Sir  if  you  should  have 
occasion  to  send  to  me  you 
will  find  me  at  M""  Beckmans 
or  hear  of  me  there 

LETTER    TO    GEN^   HOWE 
CONTINANTAL  ViLAGE,  May  24th  1780.    loClock  A  M 

Dear  General 

on  further  Confideration  of  the  Matter  I  have  de- 
termined to  take  poft  between  the  New  Bridge  and 
Pines  Bridge  So  as  to  be  able  to  fall  in  with  the 
enimy  in  cafe  they  attempt  to  Steal  a  March  by  the 
Fords  and  from  whence  I  fhall  be  ready  to  move  to 
the  right  or  left  in  cafe  they  Should  pafs  by  eithr  of 
the  Bridges  which  I  think  is  mofl  proverble  as  a 
Body  of  Horfe  mull  be  Exceedingly  embarrafed  in 
there  march  by  any  other  Rout,  my  opinion  is  that 
they  will  Come  up  by  Pines  bridge  and  Return  by 
the  New  and  proverblay  a  Body  of  Infentry  may 
advance  if  not  Crofs  at  the  New  Bridge  to  cover 
there  Retrete  with  the  Booty  and  the  Sittuation  I 
propofe  from  the  nature  of  the  Country  will  Inable 
me  to  Fall  in  with  the  Horfe  while  Seperated  from 
the  foot  while  the  party  from  the  Ferry  and  the 
guard  at  Colla  Bergh  will  be  able  to  amufe  the  foot 
Should  any  appere  or  act  againfl  the  Horfe  as  oca- 
tion  may  offer 

100  men  from  Nixons  officers  Included  left  this 
place  at  Sunrife  this  morning  —  I  have  waited  for 
Glovers  till  now  that  I  might  Send  you  there  Num- 
ber —  they  are  not  arrived    I  wait  no  longer 

the  Troops  have  taken  three  days  provition, 
Should  any  more  be  ordored  on  plefe  to  let  it  be 
lodged  at  Hayns  where  the  officer  of  the  guard  for 
the  Newbridge  keeps    if  you  write  to  me  this  day  or 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        149 

night  Major  Strong  [?]  will  direct  the  Exprefs  where 
I  may  be  found  northing  Turning  up  tomorrow 
morning  I  fhall  be  at  Hayns 

I  am  Dear  Sir  yours  with 
Refpect 

RuFus  Putnam 

LETTER    FROM   GEN^    HEATH 

ROXBURV  May  25th  1780 

Dear  Sir 

Your  favor  of  the  23''^  ulto  came  duly  to  hand.  I 
would  have  made  application  to  the  Hon^^^  the  Gen- 
eral Afsembly  for  the  promotions  mentioned  in  your 
Letter,  had  not  a  Refolve  of  Congrefs  which  I  appre- 
hend you  had  not  seen  at  the  Time  of  writing  your 
Letter  barr^  it.  I  hope  to  have  the  pleafure  of  take- 
ing  you  by  the  hand  in  a  few  Days,  and  have  many 
things  to  say,  will  defer  the  whole  to  that  time.  — 
We  have  no  news  except  from  the  Southward. 
I  am  with  great  regard 
Dear  Sir 

Your  Obedient  Serv* 

W  Heath 
Colonel  Putnam 

LETTER    FROM    GEN''    HOWE 

Headquarters  Highlands  25th  May  1780 
Dear  Sir 

My  Intelligence  makes  me  certain  the  Enemy 
have  heard  of  our  Movements  &  have  temporarily 
suspended  the  Execution  of  their  Plan,  at  the  same 
time  as  I  hear  the  Horse  they  have  collected  are  not 
return' d  to  their  former  Owners  &  Stations,  which 
they  would  not  be  at  the  Expence  of  foraging  were 
their  Intentions  absolutely  laid  aside.  —  I  think  it 
may  not  be  improper  by  some  Movements  to  imprefs 


I50        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

them  with  the  Idea  that  you  have  retired  to  the 
Highlands  by  which  Means  they  may  be  led  to  exe- 
cute their  Scheme  —  &  you  have  an  Opportunity  of 
entrapping  them  —  For  this  Purpose  three  or  four 
Days  Provision  for  you  shall  be  sent  to  King's  Ferry, 
instead  of  sending  it  to  Haine's,  &  you  will  make 
your  Movements  in  such  Manner  as  is  best  calcu- 
lated for  deceiving  the  Enemy,  which  by  moving  off, 
&  by  other  Methods,  &  by  returning  in  the  Night 
with  Suddennefs  &  Secresy  to  some  convenient  Post, 
may  pofsibly  be  effected.  — 

You  will  endeavour  to  obtain  every  pofsible  Infor- 
mation of  the  Enemy's  Motions  &  Designs,  of  which 
you  will  give  me  the  earliest  Information  — 
I  am  Dear  Sir 

with  great  Respect 
your  most  obedient 

Robert  Howe 

LETTER    TO    GEN^   HOWE 
COLLABERGH  May  25th  1780   6  Clock  P  M 

Dear  General 

I  Sent  your  letter  by  Exprefs  to  Col°  Millir  yefter- 
day,  a  line  from  him  is  this  moment  come  to  hand 
—  no  Intilligence  of  the  enimy  in  his  Quarter  —  (he 
is  on  the  Rode  from  Pine  bridge  —  Youngs)  —  the 
Patrolls  I  Sent  to  wards  Singfmg  lafl  night  Reported 
that  the  Inhabitent  Informed  them  the  Enimy  ware 
up  as  far  as  Stincoxs  [?]  above  Tary  Town  on  the 
River  Rode  but  by  accounts  from  perfons  I  Sent 
down  this  Morning  I  beleve  they  ware  not  but  that 
the  Report  was  fpread  lafl  night  by  Some  Villins  who 
went  of[  to  New  york  from  Singling  I  fhall  Poft  my 
Self  this  night  between  the  Bridges  and  may  be  herd 
of  tomorrow  at  Pine  Bridge 


OFFICIAL  CORRESPONDENCE        151 

Our  Provition  will  be  out  tomorrow  night  I  have 
Sent  my  orders  to  M""  Forfyth  for  Provitions  for  four 
days  to  be  Sent  to  Hayns  Houfe  unlefs  you  think 
Proper  I  Should  Retire  when  the  prefent  Supply  is 
out  —  I  have  no  doubt  but  they  have  Intiligence  in 
New  york  of  my  being  in  this  quarter  and  will  Pro- 
verbly  delay  there  Ravage  till  they  here  I  am  Re- 
tired and  may  then  undertake  it  if  you  think  Proper 
I  Should  tarry  longer  I  beg  leve  to  Suggest  whither 
it  would  not  be  Proper  to  ordor  the  Provitions  I  have 
wrote  for  to  Kings  Ferry  that  I  fhould  on  Saturday 
Morning  give  out  that  I  am  coming  up  to  the  High 
lands  and  March  accordingly  for  that  Quarter  but 
altering  my  courfe  march  to  kings  Ferry  and  Return 
the  first  or  Second  Night  to  a  proper  poll  in  this 
Quarter,  whither  it  might  not  be  more  likely  they 
would  come  out  Soon  then  my  continuing  here 

I  hoope  for  your  further  directions  by  the  bairer 
Should  you  order  me  up  when  my  prefent  Supply  is 
out  or  that  I  Should  retire  to  Kings  Ferry  it  will  be 
NefelTary  Major  Campbell  Should  have  your  ordor 
where  to  Send  the  Provition  otherwife  I  Suppose 
they  will  Com  on  to  Hayns  agreeable  to  what  I  have 
wrote  to  him 

I  am  &=  — 
Gen^  Howe 

LETTER   FROM   GEN"-   HOWE 

Head  quarters  Highlands  26'h  May  1780 
Dear  Sir 

The  enclos'd  letter  ^  written  previous  to  the  Recep- 
tion of  your  favour  2  which  came  to  me  just  now,  will 
shew  you  how  much  we  Coincide  in  opinion.  You 
will   therefore  take   your  measures  Accordingly  — 

1  Page  149.  2  Page  j^q. 


152        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

Capt"  Bannister  wrote  me  the  last  Evening  that  you 
had  Called  for  the  Fatigue  men  from  Verplanks 
Point,  if  they  are  not  immediately  necefsary,  I  should 
wish  them  returned  as  I  want  these  works  Completed 
as  soon  as  pofsible,  and  you  may  Call  them  out 
Again  the  moment  you  find  it  requisite.  You  will 
guide  your  Self  however  as  to  Returning  them  or 
Calling  them  out,  as  circumstances  and  your  own 
Discretion  shall  point  out  to  be  proper.  I  am  sir 
with  much  Respect 

Your  most  ob*  Servant 

R  Howe 

LETTER   FROM   GEN'^   HOWE 

Verplank's  28th  May 
Dear  Sir 

I  make  no  doubt  you  will  pursue  every  Measure 
to  gain  Intelligence  of  the  Enemy's  Movements,  of 
which  you  will  transmit  me  an  instant  Account.  I 
shall  remain  at,  or  about  this  Place  until  Eve^.  —  I 
have  ordered  Nixon's  Brigade  to  advance  to  Peek's 
Kill  Church,  near  to  M""  Beckman's  —  should  it  be- 
come necefsary  for  them  to  advance,  you  will  trans- 
mit them  Orders,  —  notifying  however  the  matter  to 
me,  that  I  may  know  what  you  are  doing,  &  govern 
myself  accordingly. 

I  am  Dear  Sir 
Your  most  obedient  Servant 

Robert  Howe 

LETTER  TO  GEN''    HOWE 

Sing  Sing  May  28th  1780  — 4Clock  pm 
Dear  Gen^ 

There  was  about  40  of  the  Enimy  Horfe  here  about 
7  or  8  Clock  in  the  morning  but  Retired  foon  being 
Informed   there  ware   300    men   at   the  bridge  —  I 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        153 

arrived  my  Self  at  Collabergh  by  12  &  immediatly 
Dispatched  a  Ser*  &  Six  Soldiers  of  the  guard  on 
Horfe  back  to  obferve  there  motions  and  bring  me 
Intiligence  I  have  had  no  Return  as  yet  therefore  I 
prefume  the  enemy  have  Retired  at  left  as  far  as 
Terry  Town  —  on  the  Troops  arriveing  here  I  dis- 
patched an  officer  and  party  to  march  in  Som  of 
the  bye  Tracts  as  far  down  as  pofable  and  Return 

to-morrow M""  Odel  this  moment  arrived  3  mile 

below  Terry  Town  Informs  that  the  enimy  pafsed 
his  houfe  on  there  Return  about  1 1  Clock  AM  — 
he  thinks  there  ware  about  50  or  60  on  Horfe  back 
he  Saw  no  foot  but  heard  of  Small  partys  being  out 
and  Plundering  Some  bye  Settelments  he  beleves 
the  Horfemen  had  about  40  head  of  cattle  with  them 
—  they  carry*^  of  Som  Inhabitents  prifonr  Justice 
Shearwod  was  made  prifonr  but  parolled  with  Some 
others 

Unfortunate  for  me  I  was  not  at  the  bridge  as  they 
were  Informed   they  are  now  beyond  my  Reach 

Nixons  Brigade  cannot  be  wanted  —  Benfon  will 
Return  to  the  Point  this  night 

I  fhall  take  my  Quarters  at  Collabergh  where  I 
Shall  be  a  day  or  two  makeing  Proper  menover  in 
the  night 

I  am  fir  with  efteem  y"" 
Humble  Ser\^nt 

RuFus  Putnam 
Gen'  Howe 

LETTER   TO   GENL   HOWE 

COLLA  BERGH  June  ye  I  St  1780 

Dear  Gen' 

Your  favor  of  equel  date  is  before  me  in  my  laft  I 
informed  you  that  it  was  Sill  my  opinion  the  enimy 
would  not  attempt  any  thing  on  this  Side  Croton 


154       OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

while  I  continued  in  this  Quarter that  if  you 

Should  think  proper  to  continue  me  here  for  any 
time  I  Should  wifh  to  have  it  in  my  Power  to  detach 
Small  party  from  time  to  time  at  leaft  as  low  as 
Dobs  ferry  with  Six  or  Eight  days  provition  to  form 
Ambufhments  on  the  publik  Roads  and  privet  ways 
by  which  the  enimy  commonly  advance  as  a  means 
of  gaining  the  earlieft  Intiligence  and  which  would 
be  a  mofl  Proverble  method  of  Surprizeing  Some  of 
there  Small  parties  —  that  in  ordor  to  do  this  either 
a  Commefary  Store  Should  be  keept  here  or  Some 
Extra  provition  Should  be  lodged  here  for  the  Sup- 
ply of  Such  Small  parties  that  if  you  thought  proper 
to  ordor  a  Brigade  here  leaveing  all  there  havay  bag- 
gage behind  a  Boate  or  two  would  always  Secure  the 
Stoars  —  they  would  be  a  fupport  to  Col°  Miller  in 
cafe  of  any  movement  againt  him  and  In  my  opinion 
Efectually  Cover  Crompond  —  which  I  think  ought 
to  be  protected  if  pofable 

Sence  I  wrote  you  lafl  I  have  marched  with  the 
paty  in  the  mofl  unfrequented  Routs  through  Woods 
Field  &c  —  to  Sing  Sing  —  North  Caflle  Pines  Bridge 
—  Crompond  and  Returned  here  to  day.  I  have  now 
three  days  provition  on  hand  —  a  Scout  Conlisting 
of  a  I  Sub  —  I  Ser*  2  Cop^  20  privet  March  this 
night  on  the  prinfiple  before  Sugested  with  ordor  to 
Continu  out  till  there  provition  is  expended  Whene 
ever  I  have  bin  here  a  picket  Commanded  by  a  Sub 
is  Polled  on  the  North  Sid  of  Croton  to  Patroll  in  the 
night  between  the  two  Bridges  at  Day  light  they 
Crofs  the  River  Traverfe  the  Country  foure  or  five 
mile  South  and  Return  in  the  after  noon 

as  I  have  not  taken  any  pirticular  Stand  till  now 
I  have  not  medeled  with  the  guard  at  the  New  Bridge 
but  as  the  River  is  Fordable  in  almoU  any  Place 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        155 

Should  the  Enimy  advance  to  Crompond  the  Rout 
they  are  Likely  to  take  is  more  Determinable  by  the 
Perticuler  Raing  of  Mountains  &*=  &*=  then  any  other 
circumllance —  on  this  prinfiple  I  Shall  tomorrow 
ordor  the  Sub  &  that  part  of  his  guard  now  at  this 
place  up  to  Pine  bridge  with  ordors  to  occupie  Dur- 
ing the  night  Some  perticuler  Pafs  in  that  Quarter 
I  am  Sir  your  Humble 

Ser^ 

LETTER   FROM    GEN'    HOWE 

Head  Quarters  Highlands  3d  June  1780 
Dear  Sir 

Intelligence  I  have  received  makes  it  necefsary  to 
conipact  our  Force,  &  to  be  attentive  rather  to  defen- 
sive than  offensive  Operations ;  for  this  Reason  it 
will  be  proper  for  you  to  return  to  your  Brigade, 
most  of  the  Troops  under  your  Command,  &  the 
situation  of  Matters  does  not  admit  of  Delay  — 

As  every  Means  pofsible  should  be  fallen  upon  for 
obtaining  Provisions  to  support  the  Troops  here 
where  Investiture  is  not  improbable,  I  should  wish 
you  to  take  Measures  to  collect,  principally  in  the 
Counties  towards  the  Enemy,  a  Number  of  Cattle  in 
the  Manner  least  distrefsing  to  the  Inhabitants  — 

This  you  may  effect  either  in  Person  or  by  Direc- 
tions to  Col  Miller  &  to  carry  into  Execution  the 
Measure,  the  Imprefsing  Horses  may  not  be  omitted, 
should  it  be  necefsary  — ) 

If  you  find  it  convenient  to  go  in  Person,  which  I 
should  rather  wish,  take  a  Detachment  of  fifty  men 
of  your  present  Command,  &  proceed  to  or  direct 
Col  Miller  to  meet  you  at  such  Place  as  you  shall 
appoint  —  still  holding  in  Mind  your  Relation  to  this 
Post,  &  the  Necefsity  of  repairing  to  it  with  Expi- 
dition  the  Moment  it  become."  requisite  — 


156        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

(The  Cattle  taken  should  be  particularly  noticed,  that 
the  Persons  deprived  of  them  may  have  them  safely 
return' d  should  we  not  use  them  (which  in  Cases  of 
Necefsity  alone  will  happen)  &  that  they  may  be  paid 
for  them  should  Occasion  compel  us  to  make  use  of 
them  — 

An  Officer  of  your  Prudence  &  Knowledge  of  Ser- 
vice need  not  be  told  that  all  your  Vigilance  will  be 
requisite  upon  this  Occasion,  &  that  as  the  Enemy  will 
certainly  counteract  your  Measures  if  they  can,  that 
Expidition  is  the  Soul  of  your  Enterprise  &  the  only 
Foundation  upon  which  the  Succefs  of  it  depends  — 
I  am  Dear  Sir 

With  Respect 
Your  most  obedient  Servant 

I  do  not  mean  you  should  go  much  lower  than  our 
Lines  to  collect  the  Cattle  I  mention  because  I  can 
not  suppose  many  can  be  obtain' d  from  thence,  but 
those  Cattle  which  are  most  expos' d  to  the  Enemy 
within  our  Lines  &  those  below  them  which  can  safely 
&  expiditiously  be  had  should  first  claim  Attention  — 

You  will  inform  me  from  Time  to  Time  where  you 
may  be  found,  that  I  may  send  to  you  should  it  be 
necefsary  — 

I  inclose  a  Letter  to  Col  Miller  which  is  open  for 
your  Inspection  —  Be  pleas' d  to  read  &  forward  it  — 

LETTER   FROM   GEN*-   HOWE 

Highlands  4th  June  1780 
Dear  Sir 

From  late  Intelligence  I'm  induced  to  believe  the 
Operations  of  the  Enemy  will  not  be  so  sudden  as  I 
have  expected  —  you  will  therefore  continue  with  your 
Command  upon  the  Lines  until  you  shall  hear  fur- 
ther, from  me —    Those  of  your  Men  detached  in 


OFFICIAL  CORRESPONDENCE        157 

Consequence  of    my  Orders  of  Yesterday,   I  shall 
immediately  replace  from  this  Post  — 
I  am  Dear  Sir 

Your  most  obedient 

RoB^  Howe 

LETTER   TO   GEN^   HOWE 

COLLA  BERK  June  ye  4th  1780 

Dear  Gen^ 

your  favor  of  the  3^  inllent^  came  to  hand  at  12 
Clock  lafl  night,  with  an  open  letter  to  Col°  Miller 
(my  letter  was  not  Signed  nor  directed  but  on  the 
Rapper)  I  have  marked  the  contents  of  bothe  —  as 
I  have  not  noted  any  cattle  Southward  of  Croton  but 
a  few  Milk  Cows  and  as  Col°Miller  is  much  better 
acquainted  with  the  Number  of  cattle  in  his  Quarter 
then  I  am  a  Detachment  of  50  men  will  March  for 
his  Quarter  this  Morning  —  to  enable  him  to  Execute 
your  ordors  of  which  I  Shall  Send  him  Such  extracts 
as  will  be  necelTary  for  him  to  have  —  the  Remainder 
of  the  detachment  will  march  to  Joyne  there  Brigade 
by  II-  or  12  this  day  to  which  time  I  Shall  wait  for 
the  gentry  below  as  I  have  Recei*^  Information  from 
below  that  makes  it  not  ImProverble  they  will  be  up 
to  day  either  in  Small  numbers  or  in  Force  — 
I  am  Sir  with  refpect  you  Humble 
Serv^ 

RuFus  Putnam 
Gen^  Howe 

LETTER    FROM    GENERAL    HOWE 

Head  Quarters  Highlands 
June  5«h  17S0 

Dear  Sir  — 

I  was  over  at  West  Point  when  your  last  letter 
arrived,  and  in  coming  over  some  way  or  other  it  got 

1  Page  155. 


158        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

lost,  so  that  I  know  not  its  contents  —   Please  imme- 
diately inform  me  what  it  contained  — 

I  think  you  had  better  continue  out  a  few  days 
longer,  and  if  you  think  it  necefsary  send  out  some 
Parties  where  you  think  it  proper  to  do  so,  if  there 
is  any  object  for  it —  The  Enemy  have  not  yet  re- 
turned the  Horses  they  imprefsed  to  the  owners  of 
them,  and  I  dare  say  mean  to  come  out  again,  it  will 
therefore  be  necefsary  for  you  to  have  good  intelli- 
gence of  their  motions,  and  to  be  guarded  at  all 
Points  as  they  may  come  out  in  Force  against  you  — 
I  am  Dear  Sir 
With  Respect 

V  Most  Ob'i  Hum  Ser* 

Robert  Howe 

LETTER   FROM   GEN''   HOWE 

Head  Quarters  Highlands 
June  6th  1780 

Dear  Sir, 

The  information  of  last  night  &  this  morning, 
various  ways  receiv'd  confirm  me  that  the  Enemy 
are  coming  out  in  Force.  Colo  Sproat  will  deliver 
you  the  Gen^  Order  of  today.  I  wish  you  to  move 
with  the  utmost  dispatch  with  such  Troops  as  you 
can  get  ready,  and  let  the  rest  follow  you.  —  Your 
object  is  what  it  was  when  you  went  out  before, 
your  then  Orders  will  do  for  you  now  —  another 
smart  Detachment  of  Guards  join'd  Delancy  yester- 
day morning,  and  some  more  Horse,  the  men  were 
all  served  with  ammunition,  their  arms  scrutinously 
examined,  and  some  new  arms  served  out.  Boats 
were  collected  and  collecting,  their  Gaily  the  last 
evening  came  higher  up  the  River,  they  mean  to 
act  both  by  land  and  Water,    you  will  therefore  have 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        159 

all  your  Eyes  about  you,  and  let  Colo.  Miller  know 
of  this,  and  also  how  to  commune  and  cooperate 
with  you  — 

I  am  Sir 

with  Respect 
P  S  Your  most  O.b.  Ser* 

You  need  not  halt  ROBERT  HoWE 

at  Peekskill  but 
proceed  where  service 
Requires  you  — 

LETTER   TO   GEN""   HOWE 

CoLLA  BERGH  —  Barrats  House  June  8th  1780 
Dear  Gene^ 

I  arrived  about  2  Clock  the  night  we  left  the  vil- 
age  —  northing  new  has  transpired  in  this  Quarter 
Sence 

the  letter  forwarded  with  this  I  receved  from  Col° 
Miller 

I  Send  you  prifoner  a  perfon  who  Calls  him  Self 
George  Moulton  Sais  he  belongs  to  Burgoins  Con- 
vention troops  Deferted  from  them  when  they  ware 
on  there  March  to  Virginia  —  that  he  Returned  to 

Maffachusetts    State Inlifled    in   one   of    there 

Regiments  Some  months  pafl  Re^  300  Dollars  State 
bounty  of  M''  Newell  at  Leicefler  Muller  Muflrd  for 
the  County  of  Worceller  that  he  marched  for  Camp 
with  a  Ser*  whofe  name  he  has  forgot  as  alfo  the 
name  of  the  Col°  or  Lt  C°  of  the  Reg*  he  was  to 
Joyne that  he  deferted  the  Ser*  neare  Doc- 
tor Perreys  in  Crompond  was  taken  up  by  Som  men 
going  to  Col°  Millers  about  3  mile  from  Pines  bridge 

Col°  Miller  Sent  him  to  me  laft  evening 

I  am  Sir  with  due  Refpect 
your  Humble  Serv* 

RuFUs  Putnam 
Gen>  Howe 


i6o        OFFICIAL  CORRESPONDENCE 


LETTER  TO   GEN''   HOWE 


COLLA  BERGH  June  ye  9th  1780 
Dear  General 

Northing  new  m  this  Quarter  Sence  my  laft  —  I 
send  you  a  perfon  who  calls  him  Self  James  Griffin 
and  that  he  is  a  Difarter  from  the  i  f^  Reg*  of  Britifh 
Light  Draggoons  he  was  taken  up  at  Sing  Sing  by 
a  Scouting  party  yellerday  morning  Sais  he  was 
going  from  Connecticut  to  philidelphia  to  Seek 
labour  but  it  is  a  doubt  with  me  wether  he  was  not 
going 

I  have  Directed  the  Commefary  of  gen^  Nixons 
Brigade  to  move  his  Store  to  Peeks  kill  landing,  and 
Shall  draw  my  Supplys  of  provition  from  him 

If  you  think  proper  to  ordor  M""  Auflin  Conducted 
to  the  Brigade  now  at  Fifli  kill  or  any  other  Con- 
ducted to  lodge  three  Hundred  Dozen  of  Cartridgs 
with  Capt  Banefter  we  can  Supply  our  Selves  from 
that  Quarter  when  ever  we  have  ocation 
I  am  Sir  with  elleam  your 
Humble  Servent 

LETTER   TO   GEN^-    HOWE 

CoLLABERGH  —  June  !!*•»  1780 
Dear  General 

I  Send  you  under  guard  a  perfon  who  calls  him 
Self  Philip  Conner  Sais  he  diferted  the  Enimy  I 
inclofe  you  the  account  he  gave  of  himfelf  here 

I  alked  him  many  Quellion  Relateing  to  the  Cores 
number  and  Sittuation  of  the  Enimy  but  could  git 
northing  from  him  he  was  taken  up  between  Pins 
bridge  and  Sing  Sing  by  a  patroll  who  meet  him  in 
the  Roade  on  the  top  of  a  hill  So  that  it  was  not  in 
his  power  to  efcape  them  after  they  came  in  fight  he 
was  armed  in  Cow  boy  moade    I  have  detained  him 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        i6i 

two  days  in  hops  to  git  Some  further  account  of  his 
Real  Carractor  as  its  doubtfull  to  me'  whither  he  is  a 
Diferter  or  not  but  can  learn  northing  further  then 
his  own  account  —  we  have  No  accounts  from  below 
I  am  Dear  Gen'  with  Refpect 
your  Humble  Serv* 

RuFus  Putnam 
Gen'  Howe 


CoLLABERGH  June  ye  nth  17S0.     loh  a:  M: 
Dear  General 

by  a  perfon  from  below  arrived  this  moment  I 
am  Informed  that  it  is  reported  and  fully  beleved 
by  Whig  and  Tory  in  the  Neighbourhood  of  Kings 
Bridge  that  the  enimy  have  had  a  Sevear  Drubing 
in  the  Jerfey  a  Heffian  gen'  killed  and  a  Britifh  Mor- 
tally Wounded  that  between  three  &  foure  hundred 
Wounded  are  brought  into  New  york  that  yefler- 
day  or  the  day  before  all  the  Troops  that  could  be 
fpaired  ware  drawn  from  York  &  long  Island  as 
a  reinforfement  that  all  the  Britifh  horfe  except  De- 
lances  are  in  the  Jerfys  —  I  hope  this  is  all  true  I 
beleve  the  Varafety  of  the  Man  is  not  to  be  doubted 
and  that  our  frinds  below  fully  beleve  the  report  — 
but  my  Informant  dos  not  Stop  here  —  he  Sais  the 
Refuges  cannot  be  reinforced  and  now  is  the  time  to 
take  them  off  —  for  my  own  part  was  there  a  proper 
garrifon  at  West  Point  and  it  dependencs,  I  Should 
prefs  your  Honnor  for  leve  to  make  the  attempt  In 
Conjuntion  with  Co\°  Shepard  and  Col°.  Miller  — 
but  whither  the  Beeting  is  So  Compleat  as  reported 
whither  the  Troops  Said  to  be  drawn  off  as  a  rein- 
forcement may  not  be  now  on  Board  of  Tranfports 
in  the  Bay,  whither  the  Troops  reembarking  from 


i62        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

Elifabeth  Town  the  whole  may  not  proceed  Imme- 
diately up  the  river  haveing  Drawn  his  Exelency 
Gen^  Wafhington  quite  down  in  to  that  Quarter  are 

Quellions  I  think  ought  to  be  Coniidered and 

whither  in  cafe  of  our  making  the  attempt  and  an 
accident  Should  befall  us  the  Confequence  might 
not  prove  fatal  to  the  pofl  of  Well  Pont  —  from 
thefe  Confiderations  I  cannot  Importune  for  leve  but 
if  you  think  proper  to  ordor  it  it  will  gratifie  many 
officers  and  will  be 

Cherfully  undertaken  by 

Sir  your  mofl  obedient 
Humble  Servent 

RuFus  Putnam 

LETTER   FROM   GEN^   HOWE 

Dear  Sir 

I  am  obliged  to  you  for  the  informations  you  give 

me,  and  hope  they  are  true 1  imagine  I  shall 

meet  official  accounts  at  Kings  Ferry  where  I  shall 
be  to  day,  in  order  to  make  some  arrangments.  If 
you  are  at  Callaberg  and  can  without  inconvenience 
come  to  Kings  Ferry,  I  should  be  glad  to  speak  with 
you.  if  you  can  not  come  if  you  send  a  Person  to 
me  I  should  be  glad,  as  I  may  have  something  to  do 
in  consequence  of  the  Exprefs  I  hope  to  have  from 
Head  Quarters,  dont  come  if  service  will  suffer  by 
it  if  not  I  should  be  glad  to  see  you  I  shall  be  there 
and  there  about  until  afternoon  and  shall  look  for 
you  as  soon  as  posfible  if  as  I  said  above  it  is  con- 
venient  I  am  with  Respect  Dear  Sir 

yr  most  ob  serv 

R  Howe 

Monnday,  June  12*  1780 


OFFICIAL  CORRESPONDENCE        163 

LETTER   FROM   GEN''   HOWE 

Dear  Sir 

The  news  I  have  had  from  Morristown,  instead  of 
puting  it  in  my  power  to  act  offensively,  requires  me 
to  Compact  my  Force  —  You  will  therefore  retire  to 
Callaberg,  or  in  a  situation  so  much  in  the  Vicinity 
of  West  Point  —  that  You  can  repaire  to  it  upon  the 

shortest  notice  — 

I  am  Dear  Sir  Your 
June  1 2th  80  Obedient  Ser^ 

R  Howe 
Colo  Putnam 

LETTER   [orders]    FROM   GEN^   HOWE 

Head  Quarters  i6th  June  1780 
Dear  Sir 

The  Gen^  directs  that  you  instantly  return  with 
the  Troops  under  your  Command  to  your  old  Can- 
tonment at  the  Village  ;  No  Time  is  to  be  lost  — 
your  most  obedient 

W  Sargent 
Aide  de  Camp 

LETTER   TO   GEN^    HOWE 

Collabergh  June  y^  16'^  1780 
Dear  General 

Cap*  Serjents  letter  of  this  day  ^  Signifiing  your 
Pleafure  that  I  fhould  Return  to  the  Vilage  is  before 
me 

I  fliall  be  there  before  Morning  at  leaft  as  far  as 

Peeks  kill  or  the  Bald  Hill except  a  Scout  which 

are  below  I  fhall  notifie  Col°  Miller  of  my  with- 
drawl  —  the  lafl  accounts  from  Below  is  that   the 

1  Page  163. 


164        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

prifoners  ware  Removed  out  of  the  Shugar  Houfe 
on  Board  of  Ship 

the  air  is  clear  and  no  VelTels  appear  in  the  River 
I  am  Dear  Gen  yr  Humble 
Serv* 


LETTER   FROM    GEN*'    HOWE 

Head  Quarters  Highlands 
June  1 8th  1780 
Dear  Sir  — 

The  Enemy  with  some  of  their  Ships  are  off  Fal- 
lows point,  and  others  lie  at  Sing-Sing,  in  their  way 
up  they  came  to,  and  cannonaded  the  Shore  off  Sing- 
Sing,  and  its  thought  Landed  men.  I  would  wish 
you  to  set  out,  so  as  to  arrive  at  or  about  Collebar- 
rack  by  daylight  with  a  small  party  of  Twenty  five, 
or  Thirty  men  in  order  to  make  observations  and 
gain  Intelligence. — I  have  directed  Col°  Miller  who 
is  at  Crompond  to  move  to  Collebarrack,  so  as  to  be 
there  about  the  same  time,  and  have  ordered  him 
(without  taking  notice  that  you  were  Detached)  in 
case  he  fell  in  with  a  Superior  officer  to  join  him  if 
necefsary,  or  if  with  an  Inferior  officer  (not  Attached 
to  a  Post)  to  order  him  to  join  his  command  should 
it  be  requisite.  You  will  therefore  govern  yourself 
accordingly,  and  not  communicate  the  contents  of 
this  letter,  you  are  not  to  forget  that  you  are  to  re- 
pair to  this  Post  whenever  it  is  requisite,  and  not  to 
leave  it  so  far  in  your  Rear,  but  that  you  can  be  up 
to  it  in  time.  You  will  acquaint  me  where  you  are, 
and  give  me  the  earliest  notice  of  any  thing  worthy 
of  observation.  — 

as  Patrolling  Parties  of  Sheldons,  Millers,  and 
Banisters  [?]  may  be  out,  you  will  be  careful  no 
mistake  happens.  — 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        165 

Should  a  small  Party  of  Horse  of  Ten,  or  Twelve 
be  requisite  to  you,  write  to  Col.  Sheldon  at  Crom- 
pond  in  my  name,  and  they  will  I  doubt  not  be  fur- 
nished. — 
N  B  I  am  Sir 

I  have  written  to  Col°  Graton       With  Respect 
to  detach  you,  but  should  he        your  Most  Ob^  Sert 
be  out  of  the  way,  you  will  Rob"^  Howe 

not  wait  his  return,  but  pro- 
ceed with  the  Party  agreeable 
to  this  order  — 

LETTER    FROM    GEN"^    HOWE 

Head  Quarters  Highlands  24th  June  1780 
Dear  Sir 

The  Enemy  are  Advanceing-  in  great  Force  on  the 
West  side  of  the  River  by  Land,  and  are  imbark'd 
and  progrefsing  up  the  River  with  a  considerable 
Body  of  Troops  in  Vefsels  — 

Be  cautious  they  do  not  double  you  by  Water  from 
their  Vefsels,  or  crofs  the  River  when  you  dont  ex- 
pect it  and  Surprise  you,  or  cut  off  your  Communi- 
cation with  this  Post,  to  which  you  are  not  to  forget 
you  are  to  repair,  when  your  own  Observation  or 
Orders  from  Hence  make  it  necefsary  — 

My  Intelligence  you  may  depend  is  Authentic 
I  am  Sir  with  respect  and  regard 
Your  most  Ob^  H  Ser* 

Robt  Howe 
Colo  Putnam 


LETTER    FROM    GEN'^    HOWE 

Head  Quarters  Highlands  ist  July  1780 
Dear  Sir 

I  am  exceedingly  anxious  for  very  particular  rea- 
sons to  have  an  Exact  Account  of  the  situation  of 


i66        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

the  Enemy  —  and  wish  you  could  Employ  proper 
Persons  to  Obtain  it  — 

The  Orders  I  have  received  you  need  not  be  told 
restrains  me  from  Enterprise  —  but  as  to  any  adven- 
tures of  a  Day  under  the  Restrictions  you  mention  — 
I  should  have  no  Objections  to  —  though  I  confefs 
as  the  Enemy  are  in  force  from  Philips's  to  New 
Rochelle,  I  do  not  discern  the  Object  of  it  —  I  wish  it 
was  Convenient  for  you  to  see  me  Early  Tomorrow 
Morning  as  I  want  to  speak  to  you  — 
I  am  Dear  Sir 

with  great  Esteem 

Your  most  Ob'^  H  Ser* 

R :  Howe 

LETTER  TO   GEN''   HOWE 

COLLA  Bergh  July  I  —  1 780 
Dear  General 

by  an  officer  returned  from  Scout  lafl  night  and 
other  Intiligence  I  am  informed  that  the  Enimy  Some 
day  this  week  advanced  in  force  by  land  from  New 
york  and  are  now  Encamped  haveing  there  left  on 
the  North  River  one  mile  above  Philips  and  there 
right  on  the  Roade  from  Stephen  Wards  to  E  Chef- 
ter  (by  this  pofition  there  Right  and  left  wyng  is 
about  5  mile  dillent  and  from  the  Nature  and  Sit- 
tuation  of  the  Country  there  Camps  is  Detached  or 
Seperated  there  left  Devition  being  on  Philips  Hill 
between  North  River  and  Sawmill  River  there  Cen- 
ter Divition  on  Voluntines  Hill  between  Sawmill 
River  and  the  Brunks  there  Right  Devition  between 
the  Brunks  and  E.  Cheller  a  Sketch  of  the  Country 
which  I  gave  you  will  from  what  I  have  Said  give  you 
a  Jufl  Idea  of  there  pofition  —  tis  Said  and  I  beleve 
it  to  be  a  fact  that  a  Number  of  waggon  and  Sythes 
for  Cuting  of  Forage  Came  out  yellerday 


1 


1  ^ 


■•••    ■••  I  y 


,ff'"^^l  ?  f 


^,j^«X^=fe..^" 


A'^'^-,v2^ 


POSITION   OF  TIIK   RRITISH   AT    IM  I  1  l.I.l  I'S.  J  L' I.V,   17.S0 


OFFICIAL  CORRESPONDENCE        167 

I  think  if  it  be  True  that  A  french  Fleet  is  really 
on  there  way  M"^  Clinton  is  come  out  to  give  his 
Troops  an  airing  after  the  fetegue  and  other  Suffering 
in  a  Southern  Climate  and  at  the  Same  time  has  a 
Difgne  to  Secure  or  Dellroy  all  the  Forage  in  his 
Power  which  might  otherwife  be  of  advantage  to  us 
—  and  I  Should  not  be  Supprized  if  he  attempts  A 
general  Ravage  of  the  Country  as  far  as  Salem  or 
Danbury 

I  am  Dear  Gen'  with  Refpect 

your  Humble  Servent 

RuFus  Putnam 
Gen'  Howe 


LETTER  TO   GEN^   HOWE 


COLLA  Bergh  July  ye  5th  1 780 

Dear  General 

A  Prifoner  is  on  his  way  up  who  calls  himfelf 
Robert  Humble  Sais  he  is  a  Soldier  in  the  Britifh 
Corps  Called  the  Queens  Rangers  —  was  Taken  in 
New  Jerfey  about  a  Fortnight  ago  made  his  efcape 
from  a  guard  at  Springfield  Crofsed  at  kings  Ferry 
and  was  taken  by  my  Scouts  two  days  Sence  near 
M"^  Youngs  on  his  way  to  New  york  —  this  may  be 
all  true  but  he  appears  to  me  to  anfwer  very  nearly 
to  the  Defcription  of  one  of  thofe  who  brook  from  the 
Provofl  at  Fort  Put  —  a  few  days  ago  —  there  is  alfo 
coming  on  a  Deferter  from  the  Yajer  Core  who  came 
in  yellerday 

Lall  evening  came  in  Capt  Cufhing  from  below  — 
the  Britifh  the  3^^  ware  Incamped  in  the  Same  pofi- 
tion  I  wrote  you  the  other  Day  Viz  there  Right  be- 
low Stephen  Wards  at  the  Fork  of  the  Roade  leading 
from  E  Chefler  to  White  Plains  and  Philips  there 
left  on  the  North  River  one  mile  above  Philips    Sir 


i68        OFFICIAL  CORRESPONDENCE 

Henry  Clintns  Quartrs  at  Philips  Houfe  —  Report 
Sais  they  are  8000  or  mor  and  all  agree  Near  all 
there  army  except  the  Proper  Garifons  are  out  — 
there  Picket  on  the  North  River  Roade  is  at  Abra- 
ham Vinfents  two  mile  advanced  and  they  Patrole 
as  far  as  Dobs  Ferry  every  Morning  either  Horfe  or 
Foot  and  Some  tims  both  that  they  have  about  130 
Horfe  belides  Delances  Corps  that  the  Shiping  are 
mollly  in  the  Eall  River  that  moll  of  thofe  who  lay 
by  Phillips  fell  down  the  3^^  Inllent  No  Forageing 
Parties  in  Front  of  there  line  was  heard  of 

five  or  Six  of  the  Enimy  fired  on  Some  inhabit- 
ents  [?]  about  one  mile  from  the  New  bridge  y®  2^ 
and  wounded  one  man  badly  but  not  Mortally 

LETTER   FROM    GEN^   HOWE 

Head  Quarters  7^^  July  1780 
Dear  Sir 

Those  Ravages  you  speak  of  committed  by  a  set 
of  Men  who  are  wicked  enough  to  build  their  For- 
tunes on  the  Ruin  of  their  Fellow  Citizens,  are  you 
may  be  afsured  Circumstances  of  infinite  Regret  & 
Anxiety  to  me.  —  I  shall  transmit  a  Copy  of  your 
Letter  to  Governor  Clinton,  &  enforce  the  Necefsity 
of  his  immediate  Influence  &  Exertions,  &  that  is  all 
I  can  do,  without  He  will  call  for,  &  point  out  a  par- 
ticular Mode  of  coercion  in  us  —  which  if  he  will  do 
(&  I  will  prefs  it  upon  him)  shall  by  me  be  adopted 
with  Pleasure.  —  I  dislike  the  Removal  of  Sheldon's 
Horse  —  it  was  done  without  my  Knowledge,  &  I 
shall  remand  him  —  I  wish  to  have  your  Opinion 
where  he  had  better  be,  &  whether  you  could  not 
be  more  advanced  without  suffering  Surprise,  &  still 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        169 

answering  the  Purpose  of  repairing  to  this  Place  in 
Time  — 

I  am  Dear  Sir  with  great  Regard 
your  most  obedient 

R  Howe  — 

This  Letter  was  wrote  before  the  Receipt  of  yours 
by  the  Serjeant  of  your  Detachment  —  the  Gen'  will 
answer  it  fully  to  Morrow  or  next  Day  — 

W  Sargent  — 

LETTER   TO   GEN''    HOWE 

Crom  pond  July  ye  7th  1 780  De  La  Vans 
Dear  General 

Haveing  ben  Informed  by  the  people  of  Crompond 
that  Col°  Sheldin  had  moved  five  or  Six  mile  in  the 
rear  of  Cap^  De  La  Vans  [?]  (haveing  Detached  Cap* 
Cufhing  with  his  Company  to  North  Caftle  to  Joyne 
Cap*  Sacket  agreable  to  what  was  proposed  when  I 
Saw  you  lafl)  I  Marched  to  this  place  yefterday  Morn- 
ing and  as  the  Shiping  are  Hailed  Round  into  the 
Eafl  River  I  Shall  not  return  to  Colla  Bergh  with  out 
you  ordor  or  a  movement  of  the  Enimy  make  it 
necelTary  and  while  the  Enemy  continue  there  Ship- 
ing in  the  Eall  River  I  think  that  cannot  happen 

I  Send  you  a  Black  who  calls  him  Self  Robert 
Sais  he  belongs  to  Col°  Moyland  was  taken  Prifoner 
last  fall  and  now  Diferted  the  British  but  Cap*  Gush- 
ing who  took  him  up  Sais  he  is  Supposed  to  have 
Diferted  Moyland  lail  fall  and  came  up  now  with 
foure  other  on  a  Plundering  match 

I  am  with  the  highefl  efleme 

you  Humble  Serv* 

R  P 
Gen'  Howe 


I70       OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 


Crompond  July  ye  9th  1 780 
Dear  General 

Major  Horton  is  Returned  from  the  Enimys  lins 
where  he  went  with  a  Flag  he  was  Clolly  confined 
the  whole  time  he  was  there  and  got  Very  little  In- 
tiligenc  the  Sittuation  of  the  Enimys  Incampment 
is  the  Same  we  have  ben  Heretofore  Informed  his 
opinion  from  good  informati(9n  makes  the  Britifh 
Horse  Including  Delances  Core  400  —  I  cannot  learn 
any  Sertainty  of  the  Shiping  being  in  the  Eall  River 
—  an  officer  of  mine  whome  I  Sent  to  Afertain  that 
matter  is  Jull  Returned  and  Reports  He  could  Dis- 
covr  none  which  he  could  not  fail  of  doing  had  they 
Lain  at  White  Stone  the  ufiial  place  of  randezsvos 
when  on  there  eallern  Enterprize  —  but  they  might 
have  lain  between  Hell  gate  and  Hunts  Point  —  or 
prehaps  they  may  be  between  Hell  gate  and  New 
york  —  the  High  lands,  between  Cloller  and  Fort 
Lee  on  the  Weft  Side  the  River  is  the  beft  place  for 
a  look  out  of  this  kind 

You  favor  of  the  7*^  Inftn*  ^  came  to  hand  laft  even- 
ing I  have  now  4  days  provition  on  hand  and  Shall 
this  night  Crofs  the  Croton  tomorrow  night  be  at 
Colla  Bergh  and  the  4*^  day  back  to  this  Quarter  In 
this  Toure  I  Shall  be  able  to  aquant  my  Self  better 
with  refpect  to  the  forage  and  other  Ideas  Sugefted 
in  you  letter  then  at  prefent  I  am  —  by  Tuesday  you 
may  expect  to  here  from  me  again 

I  am  Informed  the  Pay  Masters  have  recv*^.  Cloath- 
ing  for  there  refpective  regiments  I  fhould  be  ex- 
ceeding glad  thofe  gentelmen  might  be  ordored  to 
Forward  the  proportion  belonging  to  this  Detachment 

1  Page  168. 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        171 

to  Cola  Berg-h  or  Crompond  on  the  14*''  Inflent  or  on 
any  other  day  or  place  you  Shall  think  proper  and 
I  will  be  at  the  place  with  the  Detachment  the  men 
here  are  in  much  Want  Some  of  the  Pay  Mailers 
have  wrote  to  have  the  men  Sent  up  this  cannot  be 
with  out  Injury  to  the  Line 


LETTER    FROM    GEN"-    HOWE 

Head  Quarters  Highlands 

13th  July  1780 

Dear  Sir  — 

Inclin'd  as  I  have  been  and  always  shall  be  to  an- 
swer your  letters,  it  has  not  been  in  my  power  untill 
this  moment,  which  I  Embrace  to  do  my  Self  that 
pleasure,  and  now  have  scarce  time  to  say  five  Words 

I  knew  not  of  the  manouvers  of  the  Horse  untill 
some  days  after  it  was  made  and  Disliking  the  Post 
they  took,  directed  Col°  Sheldon  to  alter  it  —  I  will 
now  order  him  to  Act  with  you  — 

I  approve  the  movements  you  have  made,  and 
shall  have  no  Objections  to  any  future  ones  you  find 
is  Consistant  with  Prudence  and  Service  to  make, 
always  however  holding  in  mind  your  Relation  to 
this  Post,  as  has  been  before  Set  forth  — 

I  want  much  to  learn  the  Situation  of  the  Enemy, 
and  to  know  if  any  Partizan  Stroke  could  be  made 
where  the  Benefit  would  warrant  the  Risque  —  I 
am  laying  my  self  out  for  this  Purpose  on  both  Sides 
of  the  River,  and  should  be  glad  you  would  do  the 
Same,  and  lay  your  intelligence  before  me.  Very 
discreet  Sensible  as  well  as  Confidential  Persons 
should  be  imploy'd  upon  this  Occasion,  or  ill  Con- 
siquenc's  may  Ensue  — 

I  beg  your  Pardon  for  forgetting  untill  this  mo- 
ment what  you   requested  about  the  Clothing  —  I 


172        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

have  been  in  such  hurry  and  Confusion  that  it  in- 
tirely  SHpt  my  Memory  —  I  hope  no  inconvenience 
has  happen' d,  let  me  know  the  Clothing,  and  if  I 
can  Still  serve  you  in  it,  for  I  observe  the  Day  you 
appointed  is  too  near  now  — 
I  am  Dear  Sir 

with  great  Regard 

Your  most  Ob'^  Ser* 

LETTER   TO   GEN''   HOWE 

Crom  Pond  July  ye  14th  1780 

Dear  General 

I  mull  once  more  Intreat  that  the  Pay  Mailers  be 
obliged  to  forward  Cloathing  to  the  Troops  at  Crom- 
pond  or  that  the  men  may  be  releved  by  thofe  who 
have  Shos  &*=  —  by  Mens  time  Expiring  by  Some 
being  allowed  to  go  to  there  Regn**  to  git  cloathing 
and  not  returning  nor  any  in  there  room  the  conti- 
nantal  Troops  now  on  the  lins  (except  Cap*  Cufhing 
Company  of  which  I  have  no  late  returns  but  from 
the  lail  it  cannot  be  above  50)  is  reduced  to  163  non- 
commiffioned  officers  &  Privets  foure  of  thefe  from 
the  New  Hampfhire  line  diferted  lall  night,  from  the 
Infpection  which  I  made  (perfonally)  yeflerday,  73 
of  thefe  have  no  Shoes  or  Shuch  as  are  very  little 
better  than  none  many  of  them  have  only  a  Single 
ragged  Shirt  to  there  back  and  Some  have  none  at 
all 

the  men  of  the  MalTachufetts  line  know  the  Pay 
Maflers  have  Drawn  Cloathing  very  lately  they  are 
Conllantly  makeing  application  to  come  up  for  the 
Purpos  of  giting  Some  —  this  mode  I  cannot  by  any 
means  think  proper  or  Confistent  with  the  Service 
efpecially  while  our  number  on  the  lines  are  So  Small 
—  in  our  prefent  Sittuation  we  cannot  under  take 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        173 

any  more  night  marches  nor  are  we  in  a  Sittuation 

to  act  offencively  or  Defencively  in  this  Ruff  country 

the  mens  feet  being  very  lame  already  for  want  of 

Shoes 

I  am  Dear  Sir  with 

refpect  you  Hum 

Ser^ 

RuFus  Putnam 
Gen^  Howe 

LETTER   FROM   GEN*-   HOWE 

Head  Quarters  Highlands  i6th  July  1780 
Sir 

You  will  please  grant  a  Flag  to  carry  down  Phebe 

Langdon  and  Hannah  Vincent  with  seven  children 

and  two  waggons  &  Drivers  with  their  Bedding  & 

wearing  Apparel  to  the  Enemy's  Lines   if  you  do  not 

like  the  Drivers  get  some  you  can  Depend  upon   I 

am  Sir  with  Respect 

Your  most  ob*  Serv* 

R  Howe 

LETTER    TO   GEN''    HOWE 

Joseph  Griffens  House  near  Croton  River  July  21st  1780 

Dear  General 

there  being  no  Cloathing  yet  arrived  from  the 
Point  for  the  Troops  in  this  detachement  I  have  Sent 
up  36  Rank  &  file  under  the  Command  of  Cap*  Sat- 
well  [?]  who  are  So  deftitute  of  Shoes  —  Shirts  or 
Bothe  that  Polify  leafl  they  Should  Difert  the  Service 
as  well  as  Humanity  forbid  there  being  keept  on  the 
lines  any  longer —  only  123  Rank  &  file  of  Col° 
Millirs  detachment  are  now  left  Capt  Williams  with 
35  of  Nixons  Brigade  who  ware  detached  when  I  came 
down  are  Still  with  Capt  Sacket  in  North  Callle  which 


174        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

I  conlider  as  doing  efintial  Service  in  covering  that 
part  of  the  Country 

a  party  of  Horfe  and  foot  of  3  or  400  of  the  Enimy 
have  ben  up  this  week  with  in  Six  mile  of  Pins 
Bridge  ;  it  has  ben  Reported  they  ware  repairing  the 
Roads  from  Eafl  Chefter  to  New  Rochell  lall  night 
it  was  Reported  they  ware  Retired  beyond  kings 
bridge 

L*  Fuller  has  ben  out  5  days  for  the  purpos  of 
finding  out  the  Sittuation  of  the  Enimys  guards,  Pa- 
trolls  &*=  I  expect  him  to  night  whenever  he  comes 
I  Shall  be  in  Some  Mefure  to  comply  with  your  re- 
quest of  the  13*^  inll"*  ^ 

I  am  with  the  Highell  Refpect 
You  Humble  Ser* 

RuFus  Putnam 
Gen^  Howe 

LETTER   TO  GEN''   HOWE 

Griffins  House  nere  Croton  July  22d  1780 
Dear  Gen^ 

L*  Fuller  is  not  yet  Returned  but  by  one  of  the 
guids  Sent  up  laft  night  I  am  Informed  from  a  per- 
fon  below  Tarry  Town  of  good  authority  that  Ad- 
miral Graves  is  arrived  with  6  or  7  Ships  of  the  line 
Some  reported  they  ware  11.  but  it  was  beleved  he 
brough  no  Troops  althoe  Reported  by  the  Torys  he 
had  ten  Thoufand  land  force  with  him  that  the  brit- 
ifh  Troops  appeared  to  be  in  motion  as  Reported  to 
return  toward  New  york  or  on  Some  Expidition  and 
Rhode  Ifland  was  mentioned  that  Sir  Henry  Clinton 
went  off  a  few  nights  ago  at  Midnight  to  New  york 
that  Mofl  of  the  Gen^  and  field  officers  had  lately  ben 
down  to  York  and  twas  Said  on  a  Councill  of  War 

1  Page  171. 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        175 

My  Intiligence  from  the  Saw  pitts  Rec'^  this  Morning 
Sais  the  common  Report  was  that  Admirael  Graves 
was  arrived  with  7  Ships  of  the  line  and  an  Expidi- 
tion  was  forming  againfl  Rhode  Illand  —  A  diferter 
from  the  Anfpachers  Jufl  come  in  Sais  the  whole 
Britilh  Army  Moved  toward  kings  Bridge  yeflerday 
Morning  at  9  oClock  and  twas  Said  they  ware  going 
to  Long  Illand  or  Rhode  Ifland  and  Some  Said  to 
Philidelpha 

I  am  not  Fond  of  Conjecturing  but  if  its  true  that 
Admiral  Graves  is  arrived  I  think  Rhode  Island  is 
proverbely  the  objects  of  there  prefent  movements 

Col°  Graton  by  letter  Haveing  Informed  me  that 
it  was  your  ordors  to  Send  up  the  men  on  my  detach- 
ment who  belonged  to  the  Light  Infentry  Companys 
of  the  Lt  Brigade  I  was  under  the  Neceffity  of  recall- 
ing Capt  William  from  North  Caflle  leveing  only 
Cap*  Sacket  in  that  Quarter  by  deducting  thefe  and 
5  naked  men  Sent  off  today  our  whole  detachment 
except  Capt  Sackets  Company  Confifls  of  Cap*^  3 
Subs  7  Ser*  14  rank  &  file  134  and  Several  of  thefe 
are  fo  naked  they  muft  be  Sent  up  in  a  day  or  two 
befides  there  is  a  much  greater  propotion  of  thefe 
from  Nixons  Brigade  then  any  other  being  left  by 
me  at  Collabergh  when  the  Brigade  was  down  and 
brough  down  with  me  When  I  Joyned  Col°  Miller 
of  my  retaining  thefe  Col°  Graton  Complains ;  it  is 
equel  with  me  what  men  I  command  but  with  out 
your  ordors  I  cannot  think  my  Self  authorifed  to 
fend  them  up 

as  the  Command  is  now  very  Small  and  prehaps 
you  may  think  proper  to  releve  the  whole  detach- 
ment very  foon  or  at  left  to  ogment  the  numbers  be- 
fore it  will  be  though  proper  to  move  lower  down 
I  Shall  be  exceeding  glad  of   leve  of  Abfence  for 


176        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

five  or  Six  days  to  Settle  Some  bulinef  at  Fredricks 
burgh  with  the  purchefing  Commefary  which  cannot 
be  So  well  don  after  the  prefent  month ;  Col°  Millir 
remaining  with  the  datachment  in  the  mean  time 

LETTER   TO   GEN"-   HOWE 

Devenports  House  two  miles  from  Pins  Bridge 

July  ye  23d  1780 

Dear  Genl 

by  L*  Holden  who  left  the  White  plains  this  morn- 
ing I  am  Informed  that  he  was  told  by  a  woman 
from  Eall  chefter  the  Right  Wyng  of  the  Britiih  Army 
Struck  tents  yefterday  Morning  and  She  was  told  by 
the  Inhabitent  they  ware  going  to  Long  Island  — 

I  beleve  it  Beyond  doubt  they  have  decampd  but 
where  gon  unfertain  a  party  to  gain  Intiligence  [?] 
gos  down  to  night 


LETTER   FROM   GEN''   HOWE 

Head  Quarters  Highlands 
25'h  July  1780 

Dear  Sir 

I  have  been  ingaged  in  such  a  seen  of  Hurry  that 
I  have  not  had  a  moment  to  Drop  you  a  line  till 
now  —  Lieu*  Col°  Hull  with  one  Hundred  and  Fifty 
men  will  Reinforce  you  tomorrow,  it  would  be  well 
to  Appoint  to  what  Place  he  must  repair  —  When  he 
arrives  you  may  return  the  men  you  have  with  you 
to  their  several  Regiments  for  tho'  I  call  it  in  Orders 
a  Reinforcement  I  mean  it  a  Relief  —  you  will  if  no- 
thing happens  below  to  forbid  it  make  the  Excursion 
you  Mention  but  you  will  I  hope  be  as  Expeditious 
as  pofsible  in  your  return,  as  for  particular  Reasons 
I  would  not  wish  you  to  be  long  Absent  —  I  have 
had  from  tolerable  good  Agints,  information  that  the 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        177 

Enimy  Meditate  an  Enterprize  Either  against  you  or 
Sheldon  or  both,  I  rather  think  against  him  ;  I  would 
have  you  take  Measures  to  be  secure  yourself,  and 
to  secure  him  from  Surprise,  for  if  they  do  Act  it  will 
be  Rapidly  and  in  pretty  good  Force,  so  that  you 
should  be  prepared  to  Retreat,  or  Act  as  prudence 
and  the  good  of  the  Service  Points  out — 

I  should  be  glad  to  see  you  when  it  is  Conven- 
ient — 

I  am  Dear  Sir 

with  Regard  and  Respect 
Your  most  Ob'^  Ser* 

R  Howe 

PSA  Company  of  fifty  men  under  Captain  Ste- 
vens of  the  new  Levies  are  to  join  Captain  Sacket  on 
the  Lines  &  be  under  your  command  you  will  when 
they  join  him  order  your  Commifsary  to  Ifsue  to  them 
Provisions  in  the  mean  time  they  will  Draw  from 
Sheldons  Commifsary  when  you  serve  them  order 
the  other  to  cease 

LETTER   TO   GEN*-    HOWE 

Davenports  House  July  ye  25th  1780 
Dear  General 

from  a  perfon  below  who  may  be  depended  on  my 
Intiligence  is  that  three  or  foure  Britifh  &  Hefiian 
Regiments  Embarked  at  Philips  lafl  Friday  fell  Im- 
mediately down  to  the  Hook  and  its  Said  went  out 
to  Sea  with  Admirael  graves  who  its  Commonly  re- 
ported is  gon  to  Rhode  Island  with  the  Six  Ships  of 
the  line  he  brough  with  him  and  two  others  which 
was  in  —  that  a  Number  of  Troops  have  Emparked 
at  Frogs  Neck  and  Crofsed  to  long  Island  tis  Said  for 
the  purpes  of  Bringing  the  Stock  from  the  eall  End 


178        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

of  the  Island  (but  there  number  or  Corps  is  not  known) 
Some  alfo  remained  there  when  the  others  Crofsed 
which  from  Some  other  accont  mull  be  on  Saturday) 
That  the  yanjer  Core  is  Incamped  between  m"^ 
Cortlandts  and  kings  Bridge,  the  Reft  of  the  Brit- 
ifti  that  moved  down  from  Voluntins  Hill  &  are 
Incamped  haveing  there  left  nere  Fort  Independ- 
ence and  the  Right  towards  the  Britifh  Redoubt 
Number  8  —  this  was  there  polition  yefterday  at  12 
oClock  M.  — 

GENL   MCDOUGALL'S    MINUTES   TO   COMMITTEE 

OF   CONGRESS. 


Notes  Delivered  by  Major  Genl  McDougall  to  the  Committee  of 
Congrefs  appointed  to  confere  with  him  in  august  1780  Containing 
the  Substance  of  two  Memorials  of  the  General  officers  in  behalf 
of  them  Selves  and  the  officers  of  the  Army  ^ 


First —  The  General  officers  complain  that  their 
pay  was  not  advanced  when  that  of  the  other  officers 
of  the  army  was  increased  50  p  Cent  from  the  first  of 
January  1777  — that  it  was  not  at  any  Time  equel 
to  their  Rank  considering  the  expencies  they  are 
Exposed  to,  and  more  Efpecially  for  Some  time  past 
as  all  Foreign  articels  they  want  for  them  felves  and 
families  have  ben  double  and  now  are  Treble  the  price 
they  ware  at  the  commencement  of  the  War,  and  the 
Produce  of  the  Country  double  the  old  price.  So  that 
their  pay  if  it  had  ben  paid  to  them  in  Gold  and  Silver 
would  not  be  equel  to  half  pay  in  1776,  even  if  it  is 
advanced  from  the  i  of  January  1777  50  p  Cent ;  and 
that  their  pay  advanced  50  p  Cent  would  not  be  equil 
to  half  the  pay  and  Emoluments  of  a  Collonel  in  the 
Enimes  Service 

1  The  original  is  in  Rufus  Putnam's  script. 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        179 

A  Major  Generals  Pay  now  166  Dollars  advanced 
50  p  cent  it  will  be  249-  The  first  will  not  Purchafe 
them  more  then  the  vallu  of  55  ^  dollars  the  Second 
but  83  dollars,  Suppofeing  it  paid  in  Gold  and  Sil- 
ver, as  the  Cittizens  draw  it  from  them  for  lefs  then 
half  its  vallu  for  their  produce  &  Marchandize.  Hence 
it  is  clear  on  the  most  Moderate  Calculation  that  the 
Cittizens  of  America  pay  the  army  but  half  pay  for 
their  Services,  the  General  officers  therfore  think 
that  the  prefent  pay  if  advanced  50  p  Cent  from  the 
time  aforefaid  will  not  with  the  Rations  alowed  ena- 
ble them  to  keep  a  Sutable  table  for  their  Rank  &  the 
Honnor  of  their  Country  Efpecially  when  Serveing 
with  Forreign  Troops  — 

2^  ^  The  half  pay  is  Clogged  with  Such  Conditions 
that  the  General  officers  cannot  recive  it  becaufe 
that  they  are  Disfranchised  by  the  Refolution  which 
grants  it,  as  it  ceafes  if  they  hold  any  office  of  Profit 
from  the  United  States  or  either  of  them.  However 
Small  or  incompetant  the  Salery  of  Such  office  may 
be  for  their  Support.  Befides  they  Say  this  half  Pay 
is  given  for  past  or  future  Servis.  if  for  Past  why 
Should  it  debar  them  from  the  profit  of  any  office 
they  may  be  called  too  by  their  fellow  Cittizens  when 
it  is  expected  they  will  do  the  duty  of  Such  office,  if 
the  half  pay  is  intended  for  future  Services  or  to  hold 
them  engaged  in  their  profesfion  to  the  Community 
it  is  incompetent  for  their  Support  when  Clogged  with 
that  Condition,  thefe  objections  are  raised  by  all 
the  Commifsioned  officers  of  the  line,  befides  thofe 
objections  the  General  officers  add  that  they  cannot 
recive  it  without  Dishonnoring  themfelves  as  none  of 
them  are  to  have  but  the  Half  pay  of  Colonels  —  they 
are  not  Colonels  in  any  refpect  nor  do  they  recive 
the  emoluments  of  Regiments  which  General  officers 


i8o        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

do  in  foreign  Services,  thus  degraded  when  they  re- 
turn to  Civel  life  they  are  Subject  to  Expences  from 
the  Connections  &  Acquaintence  which  Unavoidably 
ware  created  by  the  Service  &  without  Means  pro- 
potionate  to  other  officers  to  defray  it  The  officers 
of  the  Eaflern  States  do  not  Contend  for  half  pay  if 
they  git  Some  equivelent  in  grofs  at  the  Close  of  the 
war  as  a  reward  for  past  Services  to  put  them  in  bufi- 
nefs  as  well  as  Compensation  for  lofs  of  time  —  this 
they  think  is  Just  as  their  pay  now,  for  the  reafons 
above  afigned  is  not  equel  to  half  Pay  althoe  they 
have  recived  Compenfation  for  Depretiation 

^diy  'pj^g  officers  of  thofe  States  whofe  Leglifhla- 
tures  have  made  a  future  provifion  for  them  of  half 
pay  claim  the  Depretiation  of  their  pay  for  the  reafon 
above  mentioned  Viz  that  if  paid  in  Gold  or  Silver 
is  but  half  pay.  and  on  pay  in  General  make  this 
Reflection,  that  if  the  War  lafl  Seven  years  and  they 
Should  recive  Seven  years  half  pay  it  will  be  but 
Seven  years  whole  pay  —  as  the  Cittizens  will  have 
recived  the  pay  of  the  army  for  the  War  for  half  the 
Quantety  of  Produce  and  Marchendize  their  pay 
would  have  purchesed  when  the  army  was  Raifed  in 
1776  &  1777 

^th  ly  js^[i  ^YiQ  officers  of  the  lines  of  the  different 
States  think  it  reafonable  that  a  decent  provifion 
Should  be  made  for  the  wives  &  children  till  of  age 
of  Such  of  them  as  May  die  or  be  Slain  in  the  Service, 
and  not  be  exposed  to  indigence  or  want  or  call  on 
the  Parifh  for  a  mean  Subsistence,  and  they  See  with 
inexprefable  concearn  the  Families  of  officers  of  all 
Ranks  who  have  died  or  have  ben  Slain  now  Exposed 
to  thofe  distrefses  Still  Unnoticed  and  Unprovided 
for  — 

The  Survivers  antifipate  the  Calamaties  that  await 
their  owne  in  cafe  they  meet  the  like  Misfortune  — 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        i8i 

^th  ly  ^  Ration  is  incompetent  for  the  decent  Sub- 
fistence  of  an  officer  elpecially  a  Field  officer  who  in 
attention  to  the  Service  is  often  obliged  to  entertain 
officers  of  his  own  Rank  and  thofe  who  are  Inferiour, 
and  the  Subsistence  money  allowed  for  the  retained 
Rations  will  not  purches  a  third  of  a  Ration  in  the 
Vicinety  of  Camp  Therefore  no  reafonable  allowance 
for  the  Retained  Rations  will  enable  the  officers  to 
live  in  proper  Carracter  among  each  other  or  the 
Strangers  [?]  who  Come  into  Camp  and  thefe  Defi- 
quelties  will  greatly  increafe  when  the  Army  drawes 
Near  Newyork  where  the  Country  is  laid  waist  or 
where  the  People  refuse  paper  money,  as  is  the  Cafe 
in  the  lower  parts  of  Weft  Chefler  County  and  the 
like  will  take  place  on  Long  Island,  to  remedy  thofe 
Evils  the  officers  Connected  with  Corps  Should  be 
alowed  to  draw  the  whole  of  their  Rations,  but  if  the 
Stock  of  Provilions  wont  admit  of  it  at  least  the  fol- 
lowing Number  of  their  Rations,  and  all  the  officers 
paid  the  full  Vallu  of  the  Retained  ones  Viz  Col°  three 
L*  Colo  three  Major  two  —  this  may  inable  them  to 
Rub  throug  the  Campaign  in  Some  Decency  as  to 
provifion,  otherwife  they  mufl  each  eat  his  Morfel  in 
an  Unfocial  Maner  &  which  will  render  them  Con- 
temptable  to  them  Selves  and  to  Strangers  for  paper 
Money  will  not  purches  Neceffaries  in  the  Places  I 
have  mentioned 

Lastly  the  officer  are  of  opinion  that  they  have 
a  Just  Claim  on  their  Country  for  a  decent  Subfist- 
ence  for  them  Selves  and  their  families  according  to 
their  refpective  Ranks  while  they  are  fighting  her 
Battels  and  when  the  hapy  Hour  of  peace  arrives 
that  they  are  Intiteled  to  Some  reward  for  their  Toils 
and  lost  time  and  not  to  be  marked  out  to  their 
Country  men  or  her  Enemies  as  Confpicious  Beg- 


i82        OFFICIAL  CORRESPONDENCE 

grers  —  Further  that  as  the  Contefl  is  for  property  as 
well  as  for  Liberty  &  Empire  they  have  a  Just 
Clame  on  the  Community  for  a  part  of  that  which 
they  Protect  for  it,  and  that  there  are  Lands  of  the 
Crown  and  Trators  which  will  far  Surpafs  any  Com- 
penfation  which  the  Army  wilh  or  afk  for  with  out 
iDreaking  in  upon  privet  property 

APOINTMENT   OF   BRIGADE 

West  Point  January  8th  1781 
Sir 

Whereas,  at  a  meeting  of  the  Officers  of  the  first 
Mafsachufetts  Brigade,  on  the  15*^  of  Dec  :  1780,  You 
was  chose  to  Represent  the  Brigade  in  a  general 
committee  of  the  Mafsachusetts  line,  for  the  pupose 
of  fettling  with  the  ftate,  the  amount  of  the  arears 
due  the  Officers  and  soldiers  of  that  line  on  account 
of  the  Depreciation  of  the  currency,  for  the  year 
1780.  Also  to  revise  and  conclude  any  other  matters 
respecting  the  ballance  due  the  Officers  and  foldiers 
on  account  of  the  Depreciation  previous  to  the  first 
of  January  1 780,  which  yet  remains  unfettled.  This  is 
therefore  to  defire  you  to  proceed  to  Bollon  as  foon 
as  pofsible,  where  you  will  be  joined  by  a  committee 
from  the  other  Brigades,  as  aforesaid. 

In  your  proceedings  in  the  said  buifinefs,  you  will 
be  governed  by  fuch  Inllructions  as  fhall  be  given 
you  by  the  whole  line  so  far  as  they  extend,  and  in 
all  other  matters  according  to  the  best  of  your  un- 
derstanding. 

In  the  Name,  and  by  order  of  the  Meeting 

J.  Greaton  CoP  I  President 
Col:  RuFus  Putnam. 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        183 


gen'-  heaths  letter 


SiNGSING  Augst  22nd  1 78 1 

Dear  Sir 

I  am  this  moment  informed  that  Eight  or  nine 
Barrels  of  Flour,  private  property  belonging  to  a 
Baker  of  the  2"*^  Connecticut  Brigade  was  left  at  our 
late  Encampment,  at  a  place  in  the  rear  of  the  2'^'^ 
Brigade  If  you  think  it  practicable  to  get  it  off  I 
refer  it  to  your  consideration,  the  Flour  will  be  use- 
full  for  your  detachment  and  prevent  its  falling  into 
the  hands  of  the  Enemy.  The  best  mode  of  geting 
the  Flour  off  I  leave  to  your  own  good  Judgment. 
I  am  with  great  regard 
Dear  Sir 

your  obed*  Serv* 

W  Heath 
Colo  Putnam 

N  B  —  There  were  Sixteen  Barrels  of  Flour  left  as 
within  mentioned  &  they  were  in  the  wood  (care- 
lefsly  covered  over)  in  the  front  of  the  faid  Brigade 
&  not  in  the  Rear  — 

gen''  heaths  letter 

Head  Quarters  Peeks  kill  augst  24th  1781 
Dear  Sir 

Your  favor  p""  M""  Myrick,  and  the  one  by  the  sol- 
dier who  escorted  the  Deferter  from  Uphams  Corps, 
came  duly  to  hand.  The  D  Q  M  G  will  furnifh  M'' 
Myrick,  with  such  articles  requested  by  you,  as  he 
has  at  Command.  I  am  sorry  they  are  far  short  of 
your  wants  and  wishes,  hope  it  will  soon  be  in  his 
power  to  afford  you  an  ample  supply.  —  I  think  the 
mode  of  acting  with  your  Corps,  which  you  propose 
a   good   one.    Your   knowledge   of   service,    of   the 


i84        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

Country  in  which  you  are  to  act,  and  known  Pru- 
dence induce  me  to  repose  a  Discretionary  Liberty 
of  acting  to  you.  —  I  wish  your  movements  may  be 
such  as  to  leave  no  avenue  open  on  your  Flanks, 
whereby  the  Enemy  may  pafs  you  unperceived  and 
strike  the  advance  Pickets  of  this  army,  please  en- 
deavour to  obtain  all  the  Intelligence  in  your  power, 
and  the  news  papers  when  it  can  be  effected. 
I  am  with  very  great  regard 
Dear  Sir 

Your  obed*  serv* 

W  Heath 
MGeni 
Colonel  Putnam 


Head  quarters,  Peeks  kill,  August  27.  1781. 

Dear  Sir 

Your  favor  of  the  25.  with  the  cow-thieves,  arrived 
safe  —  I  hope  you  will  be  able  to  hunt  out  that  ne- 
farious enemy  —  It  is  probable  they  will  be  active  in 
their  fkulking,  thieving  way,  and  from  the  fituation 
of  the  country  it  will  be  impofsible  to  rellrain  them. 

I  will  give  orders  that  a  quantity  of  hard  bread  and 
faked  meat  be  procured  for  the  detachments  —  which 
is  efsentially  necefsary. 

With  refpect  to  the  cattle,  grain  and  forage  be- 
low—  whatever  is  taken,  fhould  be  done  by  the 
flate  agent,  or  fome  of  his  Afsiftants,  one  of  whom 
has  generally  attended  the  troops  on  the  lines  —  He 
will  follow  the  inllructions  given  him  by  his  Principal 
as  to  the  mode  of  certificates  or  payment.  The  afsift- 
ants have  generally  taken  from  the  inhabitants  such 
part  of  their  grain,  &c.  as  they  have  judged  might 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        185 

be  fpared,  leaving  a  fufficiency  for  the  support  of 
their  families  —  They  will  I  suppofe  continue  in  this 
way.  You  will  not  take  yourself,  but  where  necefsity 
compels,  which  will  be  the  cafe  in  your  difTerent  ex- 
curfions —  And  in  this  cafe,  an  officer  of  humanity 
will  diflrefs  individuals,  although  enemies,  as  little 
as  pofsible.  The  defign  of  your  command  is  to  gain 
intelligence  of  the  movements  of  the  enemy,  and  to 
check  their  excurfions  where  it  is  practicable,  —  to 
communicate  such  intelligence  as  you  may  obtain  — 
and,  as  far  as  pofsible,  afford  protection  to  the  coun- 
try. You  are  not  sent  out  to  collect  grain,  or  threfh 
it,  or  as  foragers  —  although  you  are  to  cover  both 
as  far  as  is  in  your  power,  fhould  parties  be  fent  out 
for  that  purpofe  —  And  in  cafes  where  you  can  afsift 
in  getting  off  grain  or  forage,  the  service  will  be  pro- 
moted by  your  lending  a  hand  for  that  purpofe  ;  but 
you  are  by  no  means  to  entangle  or  encumber  your- 
self —  you  are  at  all  times  to  be  light,  and  move  with 
as  much  celerity  as  pofsible. 

I  wish  it  was  in  my  power  to  order  you  some  rum. 
We  have  not  had  a  drop  fmce  our  arrival  here,  nor 
is  there  any  in  flore.  A  quantity  is  expected  —  when 
it  arrives,  you  fhall  not  be  forgotten.  We  fhall  have 
ample  supplies  of  flour —  Your  Commifsary  must 
settle  some  effectual  way  for  enfuring  you  a  conflant 
supply. 

I  think  colonels  Worm  and  Delancy  will  endeavor 
to  give  you  a  blow  —  I  will  venture  you  with  both 
of  them,  both  in  point  of  policy  or  bravery.  If  your 
numbers  are  not  sufficient  you  fhall  have  a  reinforce- 
ment. 

Spare  no  pains  to  get  intelligence  and  the  news 
papers  —   We  have  no  news  here  except  reports  that 


i86        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

a  large  fleet  was  feen  on  their  way  from  the  Wefl 
indies  to  the  continent. 

I  am  with  great  regard, 
Dear  Sir, 

Your  obed.  fervant 

W  Heath 
M  General 
Colonel  Putnam 

GENERAL  HEATHS  LETTER 

Head  quarters,  Peeks  kill,  Aug.  30,  1781. 
My  dear  Sir, 

Your  favor  of  the  27.  came  to  hand.  I  fee  you. 
Colonels  Wormb  and  Delancy  are  manceuvring  for 
the  wind,  and  I  expect  foon  to  hear  you  have  had  an 
engagement.  I  hope  you  will  fink,  blow  up,  or  take 
the  whole  of  them.  However,  act  with  caution  and 
policy.  I  know  they  dare  not  fight  you  unlefs  they 
can  gain  fome  advantage  of  numbers  or  fituation  — 
and  fuch,  I  am  fure  you  will  not  give  them. 

I  have  ifsued  orders  that  your  detachment  be  kept 
at  all  times  complete  by  fupplying  the  places  of  such 
as  fall  fick,  &c. 

This  evening  about  forty  teams  will  move  down 
to  the  new  bridge,  covered  by  about  two  hundred 
and  fifty  rank  and  file,  properly  officered,  and  early  to 
morrow  morning  move  down  and  forage  near  Stiver- 
sons  weft  of  Young's.  I  wifli  you  to  make  such  move- 
ments with  your  detachment  as  will  feafonably  and 
moll  effectually  cover  the  foragers,  &  fecure  all  the 
avenues  in  front. 

Colonel  Greaton  will  command  the  foragers.  I  wifh 
you  to  fend  him  any  advice  you  may  think  necef- 
sary. 

I  repeat  my  requell  that  you  will  use  every  en- 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        187 

deavor  to  obtain  intelligence,  the  news-papers,  &c. 
and  communicate  them  to  me. 

I  am  with  great  regard 
Dear  Sir, 

Your  obed*  Serv* 

W  Heath 
P.  S.   Two  men  of  your  detachment  M  Gen^ 

by  the  names  of  Hymen  Cool  and 
Ephraim  Thomas,  of  the  4  regiment 
are  wanted  as  witnefses  on  a  trial 
now  before  a  court  martial  — 
Please  send  them  up  —  they  fhall 
be  ordered  down  again  — 

W  H 

GENERAL    HEATHS    LETTER 

Head  quarters,  Peeks  kill,  Aug.  30:  1781. 

Dear  Sir, 

Your  favor  of  the  28.  by  major  Trefcot  was  put 
into  my  hand  this  morning  — 

The  major  is  gone  to  the  commifsary  to  obtain 
some  hard  bread  if  pofsible  —  We  have  now  a  plenty 
of  flour,  and  your  commifsary  may  obtain  whatever 
may  be  necefsary —  If  the  hard  bread  cannot  be 
obtained  now,  it  may  be  in  a  fhort  time. 

I  am  fully  in  fentiment  with  you  refpecting  the  flags 
which  come  up  from  the  enemy  —  and  I  wifh  you  to 
communicate  to  the  enemy's  out  pofls,  that  their  flags 
are  to  come  up  on  the  Tarry  town  road  only,  and  on 
that  road  to  the  new  bridge,  or  the  advance  guard 
near  the  new  bridge. 

I  think  one  light  field  piece  fufficient  for  your  de- 
tachment. Captain  Kemper  cannot  be  indulged  with 
another.  I  am  forry  his  command,  in  his  opinion,  is 
not  equal  to  his  rank  —  but  it  is  a  misfortune  to 


i88        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

which,  in  the  present  ilate  of  our  army,  officers  of  all 
ranks  are  obliged  to  fubmit. 

I  am  with  very  great  regard 
Dear  Sir, 

Your  obedient  fervant 
W  Heath 
M  General 
Colonel  Putnam 


Head  Quarters  Peeks  Kill  Sep"-  2d  1781 
Dear  Sir 

I  have  just  obtained  intelligence  that  a  packett  of 
dispatches  is  on  its  way  from  Canada  to  New  York. 
The  Bearer  is  a  young  man,  shabbily  cloathed,  blue 
eyes,  fandy  complexion,  with  short  red  hair.  —  It  is 
probable  the  dispatches  may  be  shifted  into  other 
hands.  —  I  wish  you  to  be  very  carefull,  and  enjoy n 
on  all  your  parties,  to  be  critical  in  observeing  and 
examining  all  persons,  who  may  be  pafsing  &  detain 
and  convoy  to  you  for  further  examination  all  such 
persons  as  exhibit  marks  of  being  suspicious  Char- 
acters. — 

I  am  with  great  regard 
Dear  Sir 

Your  Obed*  Serv* 

W  Heath 
M  General 
Colonel  Putnam 

gen''  heaths  letter 
Head  Quarters  Peeks  Kill  Sept  7  1781 
Dear  Sir 

The  Army  will  make  a  forrage  tomorrow  morning 
in  the  neighbourhood  of  North  Castle  —  Please  to 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        189 

make  a  disposition  of  your  Detachment  in  such 
manner  as  to  cover  the  Forragers  —  the  command 
will  be  with  you  — 

I  am  with  great  regard 
Dear  Sir 

Your  Obed*  Serv* 

W  Heath 
M  General 
The  French  fleet  have 
arrived  in  the  Cheasapeak 
and  blocked  up  the  Enemy  — 

W  H 
Colonel  Putnam 

GENERAL   HEATHS    LETTER 

Head  Quarters  Peeks  kill  Sep'  8'^  1781 
Dear  Sir 

Your  favor  of  the  7^^  Inst  come  to  hand  with  the 
prifoners  Cow  Boys  &^  I  have  had  a  converfation 
with  Major  Tallmadge  respecting  them.  Your  De- 
tachment shall  soon  receive  a  reinforcment. 

Both  Cap*  Richards  and  M""  Myrick  must  have 
Joined  you  before  this  time. 

I  am  with  very  great  regard 
Dear  Sir 

your  obed*  Serv* 

W  Heath 
M  General 
Colonel  Putnam 

GEN*-   HEATHS   LETTER 

Head  Quarters  Peekskill  Sep«  lo'h,  1781 
Dear  Sir 

Should  the  Enemy  at  any  time,  advance  in  Force 
that  affords  grounds  to  apprehend  a  defign  against 


I90       OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

the  Posts  in  the  Highlands,  either  by  Land,  or  water, 
you  will  move  up  with  your  detachment  in  such 
manner,  as  to  prevent  the  Enemy  from  cuting  off 
the  Communication  between  you  the  army  and  Posts 
in  the  Highlands.  In  such  case  you  will  bring  off 
any  Guards  or  Pickets  you  find  in  your  way,  and 
send  detachments  to  drive  back  all  Public  Cattle  and 
Horfes  in  the  vicinity  of  Crompond  &^  towards  Fred- 
ricksburgh,  and  direct  the  Inhabitants  should  such 
an  event  happen,  to  do  the  same.  This  you  will 
keep  to  yourself,  it  is  a  precaution,  that  should  be 
thought  of,  if  never  put  in  execution. 

Your  Opinion  of  M""  Clinton  is  verified,  it  is  said 
he  is  raveing,  and  that  all  is  hurry  and  confusion 
in  New  York,  —  all  appearances  indicate  a  capital 
movement,  —  keep  a  sharp  look  out,  we  shall  be 
ready  for  them  at  all  points. 

I  am  with  great  regard 
Dear  Sir 

your  Obedient  Servant 

W  Heath 
M  General 
CoP  Putnam. 

GEN^    HEATHS   LETTER 

Head  quarters.  Peeks  kill,  Sept.  lo.  1781. 
Dear  Sir. 

Your  favor  of  yellerday  came  fafe  to  hand.  An- 
other forage  will  be  made  tomorrow  morning  — 
Pleafe  order  your  detachment  accordingly 

Your  opinion  of  M*^  Clinton  I  think  is  jull,  but  after 
all  his  raving  and  flourifhing  I  trufl  the  trap  is  llrong 
enough  to  hold  him  —  We  have  only  to  guard  againfl 
his  fcratching  in  his  expiring  agonies. 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        191 

I  have  not  obtained  a  fingle  word  officially  of  the 
enemy's  conduct  at  New  London,  or  even  of  their 
landing  there,  from  any  perfon  in  authority  in  the 
Hate  —  And  I  think  there  is  every  reafon  to  fuppofe 
that  30  fail  of  vefsels  you  mention  to  have  pafsed 
towards  New  York  the  evening  of  the  7*''  were  the 
freebooters.  It  feems  impofsible  that  the  gentleman 
who  left  Fairfield  the  morning  of  the  8*^'  fhould  know 
that  the  enemy  were  Hill  at  New  London  the  evening 
of  the  7^^  The  diftance  between  Fairfield  and  New 
London  forbids  it  —  I  wifh  therefore,  unlefs  you  have 
obtained  fome  other  certain  intelligence  of  the  enemy's 
being  at  New  London  or  at  fome  other  place  in  the 
Sound  on  the  Connecticut  fhore,  that  you  will  imme- 
diately on  receipt  hereof  fend  an  exprefs  to  the  de- 
tachment to  return  and  join  you —  It  may  be  well 
for  them  to  do  it  by  the  time  of  the  forage  —  Nothing 
new  fince  yeflerday. 

I  am  with  great  regard 
Dear  Sir 
Your  obed  Serv* 

W  Heath 
M  General 

P.  S.  Since  writing  the  above,  I  have  received  infor- 
mation that  Gen^  Clinton  is  collecting  all  the  force  in 
his  power,  and  that  the  troops  are  embarking  —  The 
conjectures  concerning  their  defigns  are  various.  The 
intended  forage  will  probably  be  delayed  tomorrow 
—  But  you  will  pleafe  immediately  to  take  the  mea- 
fures  mentioned  refpecting  the  detachment  fent  from 
you. 

W  H 
Colonel  Putnam 


192        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

generl  heaths  letter 

Head  quarters,  Peeks  kill,  Sept.  ii.  1781. 
Dear  Sir. 

Your  favor  of  yellerday  came  to  hand  the  lall 
evening.  M'  Stevens  the  Deputy  Commifsary  of 
Ifsues  was  abfent  the  laft  evening,  will  return  to  day, 
when  meafures  will  be  taken  to  fecure  your  Com- 
mifsary. 

M""  Bonton's  [?]  conduct  in  refufmg  to  take  charge 
of  the  ftores  (at  leafl  until  the  principal  of  his  depart- 
ment could  appoint  fome  perfon  of  his  department 
to  take  them)  is  highly  reprehenfible.  Such  conduct 
at  particular  times  may  occafion  great  lofs  to  the  pub- 
lic, as  well  as  injury  to  the  fervice.  I  gave  M""  Bonton 
my  opinion  very  clofely  lafl  night  on  the  fubject. 

The  army  will  this  day  remove  to  Bald  hill  for  the 
advantage  of  a  more  compact  encampment,  and  hav- 
ing it  in  our  power  effectually  to  cover  Well  point, 
and  make  detachments  to  fuch  other  places  as  may 
require  them. 

I  wifh  you  immediately  to  eflablifh  fome  certain 
mode  of  conftant  intelligence  from  the  Sound,  and  of 
what  pafses  there.  —  This  may  be  done  by  forming  a 
chain  with  general  Waterbury.  My  views  in  this,  are 
to  obtain  the  earlieft  notice  of  any  movements  of  the 
enemy's  fhipping  to  deftroy  the  fea-ports  —  and  in 
cafe  of  fuch  movements  at  any  time,  I  wifh  you  to 
detach  a  part  of  your  force  towards  fuch  places  as  are 
threatened,  without  waiting  orders  from  me  for  the 
purpofe.  But  in  fuch  cafe,  fend  me  inftant  notice  of 
your  having  made  detachment,  that  meafures  may 
be  taken  to  fupport  you.  A  detachment  of  about 
one  hundred  men  will  be  fent  to  join  you  today,  lefl 
Major  Tallmadge  fhould  not  have  returned. 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        193 

If  pofsible,  let  me  know  whether  the  enemy's  Ihip- 
ping  are  yet  in  the  Sound,  or  returned. 
I  am  with  great  regard 
Dear  Sir 

Your  obed*  Serv* 

W  Heath 
M  General 
Colonel  Putnam 

GEN*-    HEATHS    LETTER 

Head  Quarters  Peeks  Kill  Sepf  ii'h  1781 
Dear  Sir 

Your  favor  of  the  10^  per  Cap*  Post,  is  just 
come  to  hand.  I  am  much  obliged  by  the  intelligence 
you  have  communicated,  it  is  not  improbable  that 
Worm  &  Delancey,  perhaps  aided  by  some  other 
Troops  mean  to  make  a  movement  towards  you,  or 
for  a  grand  forrage,  &  driveing  of  Cattle  from  the 
Town  on  the  Sound  —  It  is  said  that  there  about  300 
light  horse  with  the  Enemy  at  New  London.  I  do 
not  see  how  this  can  be  pofsible,  unlefs  the  1 7^  Dra- 
goons who  were  some  time  since  on  Long  Island, 
were  sent  on  the  expedition  ;  of  this  Colonel  Sheldon 
can  probably  form  a  good  judgement —  If  the  17*^ 
were  sent  they  may  on  their  return,  be  landed  at 
West  Chester,  &  join  Worm  &  Delancey ;  or  they 
may  be  brought  from  Long  Island  —  Their  force 
united  will  render  them,  I  apprehend,  superior  to 
Col°  Sheldon,  which  will  point  it  a  peace  of  policy  in 
him  to  act  with  suitable  precaution  in  case  the  enemy 
move  out.  It  may  be  their  plan  to  amuse  and  draw 
you  down,  &  if  polsefsed  of  a  superiority  in  horse, 
endeavour  to  turn  your  Flank  and  cut  off  your  retreat. 
—  I  think  therefore  if  you  act  below  Croton  under 
such  a  view  you  will  act  with  the  greatest  liberty 


194        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

towards  the  left,  avoid  haveing  your  left  turned,  while 
you  are  circumscribed  on  the  right  by  the  Hudson, 
where  they  may  also  by  the  use  of  boats  throw  Troops 
in  your  rear:  But  from  the  knowledge  which  you. 
Colonel  Sheldon,  &  Major  Talmadge  have  of  the 
Country  &  probable  movements  of  the  Enemy  you 
are  the  best  judges.  — 

You  will  revolve  these  hints  in  your  mind  &  act  your 
discretion  —  If  reinforcements  are  necefsary  let  me 
know  it,  and  if  pofsible  in  season,  for  I  am  deter- 
mined to  counteract  the  Enemy  if  pofsible  —  Intel- 
ligence is  what  I  principally  wish  for ;  collect  what 
you  can  from  every  Quarter,  &  compare  one  with 
another. 

I  am  with  very  great  regard 

Dear  Sir 
Your  Obed*  Serv* 
Colonel  Putnam  W  Heath 

M  General 
P.  S. 

I  have  this  moment  received  a  letter  from  Major 
Talmadge  by  Exprefs  :  —  he  was  returning  in  com- 
plyance  with  your  orders ;  had  just  received  intelli- 
gence of  the  Enemy  continuing  their  depredations. 
I  have  directed  him  to  face  about,  &  march  towards 
Newhaven  —  have  ordered  Gen'  Huntington  to 
march  with  his  Brigade  towards  the  Sound  —  I  think 
M""  Clinton  will  be  in  great  fury  for  a  few  days  — 
Choose  your  ground  accordingly,  either  above  or 
below  the  Croton,  as  you  may  judge  best  especially 
in  the  night  time —  But  whatever  steps  you  take 
advise  me  of  them.  — 

W  H 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        195 

GEN^  HEATHS  LETTER 

Head  Quarters  Cont  Village  Sep>*  12th  1781 
Dear  Sir 

This  will  be  handed  to  You  by  Colonel  Weifenfels 
an  experienced  good  Officer  who  joins  You  with  three 
Companies  of  Levies  (principally  Officered  with  old 
Continental  Officers  —  Capt.  Hunt  will  join  Colonel 
Weisenfels  —  Major  Knapp  will  return  with  his  De- 
tachment —  A  Commifsary  will  be  sent  You  immedi- 
ately — 

I  am  with  great  regard 
Dear  Sir 

Your  Obed.  Serv* 

W  Heath 
M  General 
Colonel  Putnam  — 

gen''  heaths  letter 
Head  Quarters  Continental  Village  Sep*  15*^  1781 
Dear  Sir 

Your  favor  of  yesterday  is  Just  come  to  hand.  If 
Major  Knapp  has  not  returned  when  this  reaches  you, 
you  may  detain  him  untill  further  orders 

Please  give  my  compliments  to  Colo.  Sheldon  and 
request  him  to  come  to  this  place  in  the  course  of 
a  Day  or  two,  on  a  matter  of  Importance  Just  com- 
municated to  me.  —  I  have  not  time  to  write  him  or 
you  so  fully  as  I  wish. 

I  am  with  great  regard 
Dear  Sir 

Your  obed*  Serv* 

W  Heath 
M  Gen' 
Colo  Putnam 


196        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 


gen'-  heaths  letter 


Head  Quarters  Continental  Village  Sept  17th  1781 

Dear  Sir 

your  favor  of  this  date  p'  Col°  Sheldon  came  safe 
to  hand.  I  have  directed  Major  Tallmadge  to  Join 
you,  after  which  I  defire  you  to  Send  up  the  officers 
and  men  of  your  detachment  belonging  to  the  2"^^  5*^ 
and  8*^  Regiments,  which  Compose  the  2"^^  Mafsachu- 
fetts  Brigade,  that  Brigade  being  ordered  to  Garrifon 
West  point,  they  are  Sent  in  thus  early  that  they  may 
prepare  to  pafs  the  winter  Comfortably. 
I  am  with  great  regard 
Dear  Sir 

your  obed*  Serv* 

W  Heath 
M  General 
Col^  Putnam 


GEN^   HEATHS    LETTER 


Head  quarters,  Continental  Village,  Sept.  17. 178 1. 

Dear  Sir 

In  confequence  of  intelligence  jufl  received  from 
the  northward,  I  have  thought  it  advifeable  to  fend 
colonel  Weifsenfels  regiment  to  Albany.  You  will 
pleafe  to  put  them  in  motion  as  foon  as  pofsible,  in- 
cluding captain  Hunt's  company.  They  are  to  march 
to  Pemart's  landing,  where  vefsels  will  be  ready  to 
receive  them. 

I  am  with  great  regard, 
Dear  Sir, 

your  obed*  Serv* 

W  Heath 
M  General 
Colonel  Putnam. 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        197 

GEN^-   HEATHS    LETTER 

Head  Quarters  Continental  Village  Sept  22nd  1781 
Dear  Sir 

Your  favor  of  yesterday  came  to  hand  last  even- 
ing, I  thank  you  for  the  intelligence  communicated 
therein. 

The  prefent  is  a  most  interesting  moment,  please 
exercife  every  endeavour  to  get  intelligence,  whether 
the  Enemy's  Fleet  with  the  embarked  Troops  have 
Sailed  from  the  Hook,  what  Garrifons  they  have  left 
in  the  differant  works,  on  Long  Island   and  in  the 
City,  what  Corps  and  how  Strong,  and  the  moment 
you  obtain  intelligence  Let  me  have  it,  and  give  your 
opinion  if  any  post  affords  an  oppertunity  of  Striking 
them  a  blow  with  a  prospect  of  Succefs. 
I  am  with  very  great  regard 
Dear  Sir 
P.  S  if  pofsible  Your  Obed*  Servant 

obtain  the  news  W  HEATH 

papers  —  M  General 

Colonel  Putnam 

GEN^    HEATHS    LETTER 

Head  Quarters  Continental  Village  Sept.  22nd  1781 
Dear  Sir 

A  Grand  Forage  will  be  made  on  Monday  morn- 
ing next  four  or  Five  miles  below  the  New  bridge 
on  Croten.  one  hundred  and  fifty  rank  and  File  pro- 
perly officered  under  the  Command  of  a  Field  officer 
will  be  detached  from  the  army  as  an  escorte.  you 
will  please  to  move  your  Detachment  so  as  to  cover 


198        OFFICIAL  CORRESPONDENCE 

the  Foragers,    the  whole  will  be  under  your  Com- 
mand. 

I  am  with  great  regard 
Dear  Sir 

your  obedient  Servant 

W  Heath 
M  General 
Colonel  Putnam 

THOUGHTS 
ON   A   PEACE   ESTABLISHMENT 

FOR 

THE   UNITED   STATES   OF 
AMERICA 


Requsted  by  Gen'  Washington 


1783 

America  is  by  no  means  to  place  her  principle 
fecurity  in  Walled  Towns  and  the  multitude  of  her 
Fortrefses :  nor  is  fhe  in  time  of  peace  to  be  at  the 
expence  of  an  Reguler  Army  fufificient  for  the  defence 
of  every  Part  of  her  Extensive  Teritorys  fhould  they 
be  invaided  —  yet  unlefs  her  Harbours,  at  least  the 
principle  ones,  are  fecured  by  Fortrefses  and  Small 
Garifons,  her  fea-ports  are  liable  to  be  furprised  plun- 
dered and  Burnt  or  laid  under  Contribution  by  a  few 
Ships  of  War,  and  if  aided  by  land  forces  an  enemy 
might  in  Some  of  them  So  ellablifh  him  Self  in  a  very 
Ihort  time  as  to  render  it  Very  Difiquelt  to  Dislodge 
him  —  her  Frontears  fhould  alfo  be  So  Secured  by 
Forts  and  garifons  as  at  least  might  retard  the  op- 
peration  of  an  Enemy  till  the  Forces  of  the  Country 
could  be  collected  to  oppose  him  — 

Among  the  Seports ;    New  york  Claims  the  first 


OFFICIAL  CORRESPONDENCE        199 

attention  No  Spot  on  the  Continent  in  the  pofsef- 
sion  of  an  enimy  can  So  much  Injure  the  United 
States  as  that,  yet  in  my  opinion,  with  a  very  little 
expence  Compared  to  the  Importance  of  the  object 
it  may  be  rendered  parfectly  Secure  against  any  Sur- 
prize or  Infult  from  the  most  formidable  Fleat  that 
ever  yet  was  in  its  Harbour 

Falmouth  in  the  provence  of  Main  is  the  next  Har- 
bour eastward  that  ought  to  Claim  the  attention  of 
Congrefs  it  is  in  the  very  Neighbourhood  of  Halli- 
fax  have  Severel  Tribes  of  Indians  on  the  North  & 
the  Country  but  thinly  Setteled  the  Harbour  is  deep 
and  fpacious,  the  Town  on  a  peninfula  and  Should 
an  Enemy  Eflablilh  him  felf  their,  the  whole  Eallern 
Country  would  be  greatly  Indangered 

Penopscot  or  Major  Bagaduce  is  Still  further  East 
has  alfo  a  fpacious  harbour  and  is  the  Source  I  am 
told  from  whence  the  Eailern  States  are  to  Expect  the 
most  of  their  Masts  Spars  and  Lumber  — 

From  New  york  Southerd  Charles  Town  and 
Georgia  are  the  first  that  I  fuppose  are  intiteled  to 
the  notice  of  Congrefs  in  refpect  of  Garifons  and 
Troops  they  have  the  Spaniards  on  the  Right  and 
Savages  in  their  Rear,  are  properly  the  Frontear  of 
the  Empire  on  that  Quarter  and  I  am  Told  are  thinly 
peopeled.  the  other  Harbours  and  Seports  are  too 
Numerous  for  them  all  to  admit  of  Continantal  Eflab- 
lifhments  the  Expence  to  the  feveral  States  in  fecureing 
or  Fortifing  them  may  be  Nearly  Equl  in  propotion 
to  their  welth,  and  their  owne  Immediate  Intrist  will 
Induce  them  to  attend  to  the  matter  Befides  carying 
the  general  Suystim  too  far  may  create  a  Jalousy  in 
Some  of  them  but  the  Southern  and  Eallern  Fronter 
togather  with  N  york  and  the  post  on  the  Hudfon 
Should  always  remain  in  the  hands  of  Congrefs   but 


200        OFFICIAL  CORRESPONDENCE 

if  any  of  them  Should  be  So  foolish  as  to  neglect  So 
Importent  a  object  and  leve  them  Selves  liable  to  the 
Infults  of  every  Pirate  or  Surprize  of  an  open  Enimy 
the  Damage  to  the  United  States,  in  general,  would 
be  much  Lefs  then  for  Charles  Town  and  Georgia  on 
the  one  hand  or  thee  provence  of  Main  on  the  other 
to  be  Seeazed  on  by  Surprize  because  thefe  places 
might  not  be  recovered  through  a  long  War,  whereas 
none  of  the  others  could  reafonably  expect  to  be  fo 
unfortunate 

But  in  Point  of  Importence,  Next  to  the  Citty  and 
Harbour  of  New  york  —  the  North  River  or  the  Com- 
munication between  New  york  and  Canady  ought  to 
Clame  the  first  attention,  for  whoever  attempts  the 
Conquest  of  America,  will  in  my  opinion,  if  he  acts 
right,  endever  to  ellablifh  him  felf  on  the  Hudfon  and 
by  a  Chain  of  Posts  in  that  Quarter  to  Seperate  the 
Eallern  from  the  Midle  and  Southern  States,  on  this 
River  then  Congrefs  Should  always  keep  an  eye  and 
Never  Suffer  an  Enimy  Foreign  or  Domistic  to  fix 
him  felf  Quietly  on  any  part  of  it,  or  the  Lakes  to- 
wards Canada 

Well  Point  is  prehaps  as  well  Sittuated  for  the 
Grand  Arfanal  of  America  as  any  Place  whatever  and 
by  Dismanteling  most  of  the  out  Works  —  a  much 
Smaller  Garifon  will  be  required  then  in  its  prefent 
State  —  they  fhould  conlist  cheifly  of  Artillery  men  — 
Includeing  alfo  Some  artificers  —  Here  Should  all  the 
Cariges  and  apperatus  for  the  artillery  be  made  here 
fhould  the  art  of  Gunnery  Fortification  &c  &c  be 
Taught  and  from  hence  Should  the  artillery  Com- 
panys  (detached)  to  other  Posts  be  regurly  releaved 
at  lest  one  in  Two  years.  I  confider  Stoney  Point  as 
an  appandage  to  west  Point  whither  the  former  re- 
main in  its  prefent  State  or  a  reguler  fortification  be 


OFFICIAL  CORRESPONDENCE        201 

built  there,  which  is  a  Subject  worth  Confideration  — 
Befides  West  Point  there  will  Undoubtedly  be  other 
Arfinals  Ellablilhed  both  East  and  well  that  will  re- 
quire Small  guards  — 

In  order  to  prevent  a  Supprize  from  Canada  by 
way  of  Lake  Champlain  if  the  Sittuation  will  admit 
a  Fort  Should  be  built  at  Wind  Mill  Point  Pont  au 
Fear  [Point  au  Feu]  or  Some  place  near  the  45*^ 
Degree  of  lattitude  and  the  River  or  Lake  So  ob- 
flructed  as  to  prevent  the  pafage  of  any  British  Vef- 
sell  into  it  — 

This  matter  I  concive  to  be  worth  attention,  and 
examination,  for  if  practicable  in  cafe  of  a  War  with 
Great  Britton  it  will  prevent  their  makeing  them 
Selves  Masters  of  the  lakes  and  at  the  Same  time  it 
will  give  Protection  to  the  Country  called  Vermont 
with  the  Inhabitents  near  the  Lake  and  aid  us  in 
Introducing  an  army  into  Canada. 

In  the  mean  time  it  will  be  a  means  of  Checking 
any  Illisit  Trade  in  that  Quarter,  Interrupt  the 
wicked  Corrispondence  and  be  a  good  means  to 
prevent  the  revolt  of  the  Vermontears  fhould  they 
have  it  in  Contemplation,  and  it  will  alfo  further  any 
Corrispondence  we  may  wifh  to  hold  with  the  Inhab- 
itants of  Cannada  — 

But  if  no  place  can  be  found  further  Nothward 
then  Crown  Point  Sutable  for  a  Fortification  that 
Should  be  fixed  on  the  lake  there  is  efily  obilructed 
and  the  Sittuation  Elligable  a  good  Fortrefs  with  a 
Small  Garifon  Some  where  in  that  Quarter  is  necef- 
sary  and  will  be  able  to  prevent  any  Sudden  Errup- 
tion  from  Canada  into  the  Provence  of  New  york  a 
Circumflance  by  all  means  to  be  guarded  against  — 
the  Idea  of  a  post  Some  where  on  Lake  Champlain 
will  make  it  Necefsery  to  have  two  Intermediate  ones 


202        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

between  that  and  Albany  for  the  lodgment  and  Se- 
curity of  the  Stoars  that  may  be  Sent  northward  Viz 
one  at  Fort  George  and  another  at  the  Landing  on 
the  further  end  of  lake  George  but  a  Block  House 
or  even  a  Stockade  with  a  very  few  Troops  will  be 
fufficient 

Albany  will  no  Doubt  requier  Som  Troops  as  it 
will  be  the  place  for  lodging  at  least  for  a  time  the 
Stoars  defigned  for  the  Northern  and  Western  Fron- 
ters 

To  keep  the  Western  favages  in  awe,  to  protect 
and  regulate  our  Trade  with  them  and  prevent  any 
Inlidous  Practice  of  our  Britifh  or  Spanifh  Neighbors 
as  far  as  posable,  Some  Fortrefses  and  a  Small  regu- 
ler  Ellablifhment  is  abfolutely  necefsary  Perticulerly 
at  Fort  Stanwix  Ofwego  Niagary  Fort  and  Carying 
Place  —  Detroit  and  Michilinmackanac  on  the  Lakes 
—  Illinois  Fort  Mafsac  Post  Vincent  Fort  Pitt  and 
other  Posts  that  it  may  be  found  necefsery  to  garifon 
on  the  Frontears  of  the  Midle  and  Southern  States 

The  Britifh  ufed  to  Send  their  Supplys  to  Nagara 
and  Detroit  from  Cannada  &  of  confequence  ware 
under  no  necefsity  of  keeping  a  Post  at  ofwego  and 
I  beleve  they  had  none  at  Fort  Stanwix,  but  in  our 
littuation  if  we  wifh  to  keep  up  a  Communication 
with  Niagara  and  Detroit  by  way  of  Lake  Ontario  a 
Post  at  Ofwego  is  Indefpensible  for  the  lodgment  of 
the  Stoars  Sent  from  Albany  for  the  Supply  of  the 
Weflern  World  as  well  the  Security  of  the  Peltry  [?] 
that  may  be  brought  from  that  Quarter  in  return. 
Fort  Stanwix  will  alfo  be  a  place  of  Some  Confe- 
quence for  the  like  purpofes  and  for  the  protecton  of 
the  Convoyes  and  Trade  from  Savage  Insult  Several 
other  Small  post  on  the  Communication  between 
Albany  and  Ofwego  will  undoubtedly  be  necefsary, 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        203 

to  Secure  our  Selves  against  any  Surprize  from  the 
British  to  awe  the  Savages  in  thofe  Quarters  to 
protect  the  French  Setlers  about  Detroit  and  Incour- 
age  their  Emigration  from  Cannada  our  Force  in 
the  Neighbourhood  of  the  Grate  lakes  even  In  time  of 
peace,  Should  be  much  grater  then  what  the  Britifh 
ufed  to  keep 

In  time  of  War  a  navel  Superiorety  on  the  Lakes 
may  be  more  likely  to  fall  to  the  Share  of  the  British 
then  to  us ;  or  at  least  our  Superiorety  may  be  un- 
fertain  I  wifti  to  Suggest  the  propriety  of  opening 
Some  other  Communication  with  Lake  Erie  (then 
that  through  Lake  Ontario)  by  which  Niagara  De- 
troit &c  &c  may  Recive  Supplys.  and  Befids  the 
Idea  of  the  Britifh  haveing  a  Navel  Superiorety  in 
Lake  Ontario  Should  Niagara  by  any  Miffortune  be 
Surprized  and  taken  with  it  we  must  loofe  the  whole 
Western  World  unlefs  Some  other  communication  is 
opened  with  it  then  the  prefent 

This  Communication  may  be  made  from  Fort  Pitt 
to  Prefque  Ifle,  but  I  think  the  most  Elligable  is  from 
Fort  Pitt  either  by  Kishkuske  and  Cayahoga  to  Lake 
Erie  or  down  the  River  from  Fort  Pitt  to  Yallow 
Creek  from  thence  by  Tuscarawas  to  Cayahoga.  but 
I  would  fuggest  for  confideration  a  much  more 
Extencive  proposition.  Viz  a  Post  at  the  Mouth  of 
Cayahoga  another  at  the  i  mile  Portage  between 
the  head  of  Cayahoga  River  and  of  Muskingum  at 
Tuscarawas  one  at  the  Forks  of  Muskingum  or  the 
Dellaware  Town  below  a  4*^  at  Wills  Town  a  5*'* 
Mouth  of  Muskingum  a  6*'^  Hockhocking  a  7**^ 
Great  Kanhawa  an  8*^  Some  Such  chain  of  Posts 
in  that  Quarter  I  concive  would  give  Such  Incour- 
agement  not  only  to  those  who  have  lands  on  this 
Side  the  Ohio  but  alfo  to  Such  as  may  obtain  grants 


204        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

on  the  other  Side  as  would  Induce  fuch  Emigration 
to  that  Quarter  that  within  a  few  years  the  Country- 
west  of  the  Alleghany  Mountains  would  not  only  be 
able  to  Feed  all  our  Garisons  in  the  Weftern  World 
but  render  that  whole  Frontear  perfectly  Secure 
against  every  forreign  Enemy  and  the  Savages 
about  the  Warters  of  the  Mohawk  Susquehanne 
Ofwego  and  Ohio  would  be  Induced  to  behave 
very  fubmifsively  or  move  father  afield  — 

The  expence  to  Build  the  Chain  of  Posts  will  be 
very  Small  ...  a  good  Stockade  with  Flankkers 
inllead  of  Bafleons  Built  in  form  of  Block  Houses 
will  be  abundently  fufificient  in  all  Inflences  except 
that  at  the  Mouth  of  the  Cayahoka  which  will  requier 
more  attention  — 

Nor  will  it  increfe  the  Number  of  Troops  necefsery 
for  the  general  Protection  becaufe  the  Garifons  of 
Fort  Pitt  Detroit  Illinois  &*=  &<=  may  be  as  much  lefs, 
then  otherwife  may  be  necefsery,  as  this  proposed 
chain  of  posts  would  requier  to  Garifon  them  pro- 
perly 

one  Regiment  of  Infentry  on  the  prefent  Ellablifh- 
ment  would  be  Quite  fufificient  to  Garifon  the  whole 
and  in  a  few  years  a  Much  lefs  number  as  the  Set- 
lers  would  undoubtedly  in  the  first  Inflence  plant 
them  felves  near  the  Several  garifons  for  the  Sake 
of  their  protection  and  would  aid  in  their  defenc 

Haveing  made  thefe  obfervations  let  me  next  pro- 
pose for  confideration  the  Following  Ellablishment 
Viz  Six  Regiments  of  Infentry  on  the  Ellablifliment 
of  October  1780  one  Regt  of  12  Companys  of  Artil- 
lery and  one  Company  of  Artificers  this  eflablifh- 
ment  is  deduced  from  the  following  Detail  of  Post 
and  garifon 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        205 


West  Point  and  down  to  New  York  &" 

to  Shut  an  enimy  out  of  lake  ) 

Champlain  or  Stop  him  for  a  time  ) 

at  Albany  and  the  Commun[icatio]n  ) 
Northward > 

in  Provence  of  Main  and  > 
Maggizene  in  Eaftward    | 

North  &  South  Carolin  Georgie  > 
and  Magazeans  in  that  Quarter  ^ 

Niagara  4  Ofwego  3(4)  Fort  Stanwix  and  | 
Communtin  with  Albany  2  Infentry 

Detroit  and  its  Dependency 

Michiclamackanac  and  Dependencis 


; 


224 
Fort  Pitt  Mafsac  Illinois  Post 

Post  H  —  [?] 
Vincent  and  Magazens 


4 

is  Post         ) 

^        .  c 

in  Virginia) 


H 

0  1- 

6 

4(5) 

4 

I 

1(2) 

(( 

9(4) 

I 

9(4) 

I 

9(10) 

I 

5(4) 

h 

4 

i 

9 

I 
12 

5-^ 

1  Total 


But  if  the  Chain  of  Posts  in  proposed  [plan]  from 
Cayahka  to  Kanhawa  be  ellabHfhed  then  the  fol- 
lowing arrangment  in  that  Quarter  may  be  adopted 
Viz 

1  The  discrepancies  in  this  and  the  following  table  are  due  to  the  fact 
that  General  Putnam  altered  his  first  draft,  placing  one  figure  above 
another ;  his  later  figures  are  in  parentheses.  The  underlined  words  were 
erased  and  Post  H —  was  placed  above  them. 


2o6        OFFICIAL  CORRESPONDENCE 


Detroit  — 
Michiclamackanac  — 
Mouth  of  Cayahoca 
Head  of  Cayahoca  River  or  Portage 

Tuscarawas 

Forks  of  Muskengum 

Wills  Town 

Mouth  of  Muskengum  — 
Mouth  of  Hockhocking  — 

Grate  Kanhawa 

Post  Vincent 

Illinois  — 

Fort  Mafsac  — 

Fort  Pitt  and  Magazene  in  Virgin 


3(2) 

3(2) 
2 


(2) 


i 
i 
i 


which  make  the  Same  Total  as  on  the  other  plan 
the  number  in  each  Regt  of  Infentry  and  the  artillery- 
Company  to  be  the  Same  as  the  Ellablifhment  of 
October  1 780,  Except  that  the  Regimet  Staff  should 
always  be  included  in  the  number  of  Platton  or  Com- 
pany officer  Such  an  EUablifh  may  be  fufficient  to 
give  the  alaram  and  prevent  the  Progrefs  of  an  En- 
imy  for  a  Time  efpecially  on  the  first  breaking  out  of 
a  War,  which  is  all  that  can  be  expected  from  them, 
and  all  that  Congrefs  ought  to  attempt  by  a  proper 
Reguler  Eflablilhment 

The  Pay  and  Subsistence  of  the  officer  to  be  the 
Same  as  at  prefent   First  because  I  concive  it  is  Be- 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        207 

low  that  of  the  British  or  that  of  any  other  Nation 
when  all  their  Emolumets  are  taken  into  Confidera- 
tion  2d  ly  Because  whoever  engages  as  an  officer 
in  a  peace  Eftablifhment  is  Supposed  to  make  Arms 
his  profefsion  for  life  and  the  prefent  Eftablifhment 
of  pay  and  fubsistence  is  quite  little  enough  to  give 
Bread  to  a  Man  agreeably  to  the  rank  in  Life  which 
an  officer  is  Supposed  to  hold 

The  pay  of  the  Noncomfd  officers  and  privets 
Should  not  exceed  5  Dollars  per  month  or  one  Sixth 
of  a  Dollar  per  day  out  of  which  one  third  Ihould  be 
ftoped  to  provide  him  with  a  Coate  wescot  Breeches 
Shirts  and  other  Necefseres,  and  all  arearages  to  be 
annually  Setteled  and  paid  the  pay  of  officers  and 
Solder  if  posable  to  be  weakly 

The  officers  to  be  taken  in  the  first  Inllence  in  as 
near  a  propotion  as  Pofable  from  the  Several  States 
(not  Rank  but  age  Merit  abilities  and  Conflitution 
Should  Determin  the  Choise)  But  it  ware  to  be  wifhed 
that  in  future  State  lines  may  be  totally  laid  afide  and 
in  ordor  to  Introduce  fuch  a  Suystim  the  pirticuler 
officers  to  Compleat  the  Eilablifhed  Reg*^  being  fixed 
on  in  the  formation  of  thofe  Regiments,  officers  who 
now  belong  to  different  State  lines  Should  be  Incor- 
porated into  the  Same  Coars  as  much  as  posable  this 
would  not  only  be  a  means  of  removing  those  local 
prejudices  among  officers  which  are  too  apt  to  prevail 
but  would  make  the  distrebution  of  the  three  years 
Men  now  in  Service  among  the  Regimets  thus 
formed  much  more  elligable 

Such  an  arrangement  of  officers  Such  an  Incorpo- 
ration of  Men  and  Such  a  Detaching  them  to  the  dif- 
erent  parts  of  the  Empire  will  I  think  be  Some  means 
of  Uniteing  and  Sementing  the  whole 


2o8        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

To  be  ready  to  meet  an  Enimy  on  the  first  Break- 
ing out  of  a  War  with  an  army  of  Refpectable 
Troops  their  fhould  be  an  Eflablifhment  of  a  reguler 
Continantal  Militia  —  the  Following  Scheem  is  Sug- 
gested for  Confideration 


Scheem,  of  Contmantal  Militia 

All  able  Bodied  Men  between  the  age  of  i8  &  25 
year  (not  Exempt  by  any  law  already  made  in  the 
refpective  Stats)  from  Military  Service  Shall  be  en- 
rolled and  liable  to  Service  as  Continantal  Militia, 
prehaps  those  of  age  between  20  &  25  may  be 
thought  more  Sutable  out  of  them  Shall  be  raifed 
24  Regiments   each  Regement   Sixteen  Companys 

Subdivided  into  4  Battallion  of  4  Companys 

each  —  each  Company  to  conlist  of 


Staff  to  each  Battallion 

to  be  taken  from  among  the 

Company  officr  ocationly 

for  which  their  fhall  be  no 

alowance  but  that 

of  being  accoutered  [?] 


tof 

I  Captain 
I  Lieutent 

•< 

I  Enfigne 
5  Sergnt 
3  Corporal 
I  Drumer 

I  Fifer 

1^65  privet 

I  Adjutnt 
I  Qr  Mailer 

I  Sert 
iQr. 

.  Major 
M  Sert 

Regimental  Field  &  Staff  < 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        209 

1  Colonel 

2  Lieutn  Colo. 
2  Majers 
I  Adjutent 
I  Qu  Mailer 
I  Pay  Mailer 
I  Surgeon 
I  Mate 
I  Ser*  Maj^ 
I  Qu  M  Se* 
I  Drum  Maj*^ 
I  Fife  Maj'' 

24  Colonels 
48  L*  Colonels 
48  Majors 
384  Captains 
384  Lieutenant 
384  Enfignes 
24  Adjutent 
24  Pay  Masters 
24  Q  Masters 
24  Surgeons 
1372  [sic]   24  Mats 

24  Sert  Major 
24  Q  M  Segt^ 
24  Drum  Major 
24  Fife  Major 
1080  Serjents  [sic] 
384  Drumers 
384  Fiffers 
261 12  Rank  &  File 
Total  Includeing  officers        29448 

The  officers  Should  all  be  Commifsioned  by  Con- 
grefs  and  be  on  the  Same  footing  as  to  Rank  as  those 


24  Regiment  on 
Such  an  Eflablifliment 
would  Consist  of 

29448 
1372 

28066  [sic] 


2IO        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

in  actual  Service  but  in  cafe  of  relignation  or  re- 
move! out  of  the  dept  they  fhall  loofe  their  Rank  or 
pretentions  too  it  in  Reason  the  Regimet  Should  be 
all  numbered  with  out  deflintion  of  States  next  after 
thofe  on  the  Peace  Eflablifhment  and  to  take  their 
Rank  in  the  first  Inllence  by  lot  Drawn  for  them  in 
Congrefs  the  Number  of  Men  to  be  raised  in  each 
State  Shall  be  afefsed  by  Congrefs  once  in  every 
Seven  year  by  the  Same  rate  of  propotion  by  which 
the  Continantal  Taxes  are  laid,  the  year  last  preceed- 
ing  Such  afefsment  the  Several  Stats  Shall  each  be 
divided  into  as  many  Districts  as  it  is  required  to 
furnish  regimets  which  regimental  dept  Shall  be  Sub- 
divided into  Battallions  Districts,  once  in  every  Seven 
year  Viz  the  next  year  after  that  wherein  the  State 
afefsmt  for  men  is  made  by  Congrefs  each  Battallion 
District  fhall  again  be  fubdivided  into  Company 
Dillricts  Commifsioned  officers  for  such  Company 
Shall  refide  with  in  their  owne  Dillrict  The  Field  and 
regimental  Staff  officers  Shall  be  inhabitent  of  or  refi- 
dents  within  the  Diflrict  of  the  Regiment  or  Battal- 
lion to  which  they  are  appointed  all  the  Field  Com- 
mifsioned &  Staff  officers  of  a  Regiment  Shall  be 
appointed  by  the  Executive  athorety  of  the  State  to 
which  they  belong  and  be  Commifsiond  by  Con- 
grefs. on  the  removel  of  an  officer  out  of  his  District 
his  place  must  be  Confidered  as  Vacant  and  the  va- 
cancy to  be  filled  by  Succefsion  of  Rank  from  the 
Colo  to  the  Enfigne  which  Rule  fhall  be  adopted  for 
filling  all  Vacancys  but  the  appointment  of  all  En- 
figns  Shall  be  in  the  Executive  athorety  of  the  State 
unlefs  they  fhould  neglect  Such  appointment  for  the 
Space  of  three  months  after  being  duly  certified  of 
the  Vacancy  by  the  Col<^  or  Commanding  officer  of 
the  Reg*  which  he  Should  be  obliged  to  do  within 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        211 

one  month  after  Such  Vacancy  happened  in  which 
cafe  Congrefs  to  have  the  right  of  Such  appointment 

the  company  Districts  being  thus  fixed  the  Captain 
or  Commanding  officer  of  the  Company  Shall  annu- 
ally between  the  15*^  and  31s*  day  of  December  Make 
out  a  list  with  the  ages  of  all  the  able  Bodied  men 
within  his  District  liable  to  Bare  arms  in  the  Conti- 
nantal  Militia  and  haveing  apponted  his  Sergents 
Corporals  Drums  &  Fife  he  fhall  Select  Seventy  of 
the  youngest  that  remains  on  the  afore  Said  list  (and 
return  the  Names  of  the  Reft  to  the  Commanding 
officer  of  the  State  Militia  within  whose  District  they 
refpective  refide)  Sixty  five  of  the  Seventy  taken  as 
above  are  to  compose  the  privet  of  Such  Company 
for  the  Infuig  year  and  the  other  five  are  to  be 
considered  as  fupenumeraries  and  only  liable  to  be 
called  on  Duty  in  cafe  of  Sicknefs  Death  or  removel 
of  any  of  the  Fixed  Company 

All  able  Bodied  men  (except  Such  as  are  exempt 
from  Military  duty  by  the  Laws  of  the  State  within 
which  they  relide)  between  the  age  of  Eighteen  and 
twenty  five  years,  must  be  liable  to  Service  in  the 
Continantal  Militia  and  as  Such  perform  all  the  Servis 
required  of  them 

The  Contnantal  Militia  being  thus  formed  they 
Shall  be  liable  (in  Companys  or  Squads  as  Shall  be 
thought  mos  convenient)  to  fpend  as  many  days  in 
Military  Exercifes  and  Disepline  as  other  Militia  are 
liable  to  perform  in  Companys  and  in  Battallion  as 
Many  as  other  State  Militia  are  liable  to  by  Regimint 
for  which  they  shall  have  no  allowance  and  for  thefe 
exerfises  and  to  be  always  ready  in  cafe  of  the  most 
Sudden  alaram  they  Shall  be  provided  with  Arms 
ammunition  and  acoutremet  the  Same  as  other  Militia 
by  Law  ought  to  be  provided  with,    in  addition  to 


212        OFFICIAL  CORRESPONDENCE 

which  they  Shall  always  be  provided  with  two  white 
Hunting  Shirts  and  two  pairs  of  White  lining  ovehalls 
witli  a  Military  hat  or  Cap  and  Fether  all  of  which 
shall  be  agreably  to  the  ordor  of  the  Commanding 
officer  of  the  Regt 

In  addition  to  thefe  Dutyes  this  Militia  Shall  in 
time  of  peace  actually  take  the  Field  Some  time  the 
Month  of  September  annually  where  they  Shall  Con- 
tinue thirty  days  and  attend  to  the  learnig  all  or  part 
of  Disepline  and  the  Dutis  of  an  army  as  much  as  in 
time  of  War  —  they  Shall  be  Collected  for  that  pur- 
pus  eithr  by  Regimet  Brigads  or  Divifion  as  may  be 
thought  most  convenient  for  the  good  of  Service  but 
during  this  period  they  are  to  be  paid  at  the  Same 
Rate  and  Subsisted  in  the  Same  Maner  as  the  Regi- 
mets  on  the  Peace  Eftablishmet  are  —  Belides  this  on 
the  Brakeing  out  of  a  War  or  when  ever  Congrefs 
Shall  Deam  it  necefsary  they  Shall  take  the  Field 
upon  which  they  Shall  be  furniflied  Paid  and  Subsisted 
in  the  Same  Maner  as  fhall  be  provided  for  the  EUab- 
lifhed  Regimets.  Befides  which  the  noncommifsioned 
officers  and  privets  Shall  recive  five  Dollors  Bounty 
anually  So  long  as  they  Shall  be  held  in  Service, 
on  the  fore  going  Scheem  after  the  first  formation  of 
the  Compay  the  Captain  or  Commanding  officer  at 
the  Close  of  every  year  will  have  ocation  only  to  Ob- 
tain a  list  of  all  able  bodied  men  belonging  to  His 
Company  Distr  who  have  within  that  year  arrived  at 
the  age  of  i8  he  will  then  Discharge  So  many  of  his 
Disbled  and  Senior  Soldiers  as  to  reduce  his  Company 
to  the  Standard  and  the  Same  Rule  is  to  be  obferved 
in  Recruting  the  Company  in  time  of  War  as  of  peace 
with  this  exception  that  in  time  of  War  the  Captain  is 
not  to  Judge  of  the  Debility  of  those  who  may  claim 
a  Discharge  on  that  accont  —  But  the  Recruts  for  the 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        213 

Company  or  thofe  lads  who  have  arrived  at  Eighteen 
within  the  past  year  Shall  between  the  first  and 
Seventh  Day  of  January  be  Infpected  and  Mullered 
in  the  Same  maner  as  recrut  for  the  Eflablifhed  Regi- 
ments, and  haveing  Joyned  the  Company  the  Same 
Number  Shall  be  discharged  the  oldest  Soldiers  al- 
ways being  Intiteled  to  Claim  it  as  their  right  except 
where  Invaleds  of  the  Same  Companys  prefent  them 
Selves  of  whofe  Claims  Cognizence  Shall  be  taken  in 
the  Same  maner  as  is  don  in  the  EUablifhed  Regi- 
ment in  like  cafes 

by  this  Scheem  every  able  Bodied  man  is  liable  to 
Bair  arms  as  a  Contnantal  Soldier  at  18  years  of  age 
and  its  posable  that  he  continue  So  for  Seven  year 
but  as  the  Continal  Militia  and  the  eflablifhed  Regi- 
ments will  not  altogath  amount  to  more  then  7,6  of 
the  ratable  Poles  and  not  more  the  7,0  of  those  liable 
to  bare  arms  the  Proverbility  is  that  no  man  will  Seve 
more  then  three  year  at  farthest 

I  have  made  no  Deftintion  between  Rich  or  Poor 
in  my  Calculation  in  the  Formation  of  the  Companys 
one  reafon  is  because  I  think  the  Eflablifhing  a  Regu- 
ler  Militia  on  Such  a  Footing  is  utterly  Impratable 
consistent  with  the  Idear  of  the  Purpos  of  a  Standing 
army  in  the  defence  of  the  Country 

to  give  force  and  fpirit  to  any  Meafure  of  this  Sort 
it  is  necefsry  to  make  it  as  Simple  as  posable  Besides 
when  we  want  Men  we  must  look  where  they  are  and 
when  money  is  wanted  let  us  look  where  it  is  to  be 
found  the  Poor  man  can  yeald  perfonal  Service,  but 
if  this  is  not  Sufificent  to  anfwer  the  objection  that 
may  be  raised  on  this  Head  —  let  each  State  make 
provifion  to  equalize  the  money  part  upon  the  Pools 
and  eflates  of  each  Company  District,  but  no  [one] 
is  to  be  excufed  from  yealding  the  Perfonal  Service 
required  of  him  unlefs  he  provides  a  Subllitute 


214        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

In  ordor  that  they  may  be  always  ready  to  take 
the  Field  properly  armed  and  acoutterd  on  the 
Shortst  Notice  and  in  ordor  that  they  may  be  per- 
fectly Uniform  in  their  Arms  and  acoutrement  a  Suf- 
ficient number  of  Arms  &c  Shall  (at  the  Expence 
of  the  United  States)  be  delivrd  to  the  Col°  or  Com- 
manding officer  of  the  Regt  and  deposited  nere  the 
plaoe  of  randezvos  two  good  chest  fhall  be  provided 
for  each  Companys  arms  in  which  they  are  to  be 
cearfully  Secured  on  the  Regiments  takeing  the  field 
in  the  month  of  September  the  arms  to  be  delivrd  to 
them  the  Captain  or  Commanding  officer  being  ac- 
countable for  those  of  his  Company  as  the  Colo  is  for 
those  of  his  Reg* 

In  ordor  to  give  Life  &  Motion  to  this  Complex 
Army  of  Continantal  Regulars  and  Militia  their  must 
be  one  Commander  in  Cheif  from  whome  all  ordors 
for  the  Continantal  Militia  as  well  as  the  Reguler 
Regiments  are  Mediately  or  Immediately  to  Ifsue,  the 
Same  in  peace  as  in  time  of  War 

Their  Shall  for  the  Militia  Regiment  be  Six  Major 
Gen'  but  no  Brigadiers  &  the  Col''  when  in  the  Field 
recive  Brigadier  Subsistence  but  Colonels  pay  only 
the  Regt  will  in  point  of  divs  [division  ?]  *  *  as  Br 
[Brigades?] 

The  Infpeter  General  of  the  Eflablifhed  Army 
Should  alfo  be  So  to  the  Contint  Militia  and  he  will 
appoint  as  many  Deputys  as  may  be  thought  proper 
to  Muster  and  Infpect  the  Continantal  Militia  for  the 
month  they  are  out  and  Certifie  the  Rolls  accordingly 
which  Shall  be  paid  out  of  the  Treafury  of  the  United 
Stats 

the  Pay  Mafler  is  to  have  a  proper  allowanc  f  [or] 
his  Servis  in  obtaining  and  paying  the  money  to  the 
Men,  and  the  Qr  Mafler  for  his  expence  in  takeing 


OFFICIAL  CORRESPONDENCE        215 

care  repairing  Transeporting  &c  the  arms  accortment 
«&c  &c 

every  Soldier  is  to  be  charged  with  any  abuses  or 
damage  do  to  his  arms  or  accortments  while  in  his 
Pofsestion  or  lofs  of  ammunition  and  S  [t]  opage  made 
on  the  pay  roll  agreable  to  the  Judgment  of  the  Field 
officer  with  the  Int  [crested  ?]  Capt  who  are  at  the  end 
of  every  month  to  make  an  Infpection  of  the  Same 

COPPY   OF    PETITION   FOR   THE   OHIO    COUNTRY 

To  His  Excellency  the  prefident  and  Honorable  Dele- 
gates of  the  United  States  of  America  in  Congrefs 
afembled  — 
The  petition  of  the  fubscribers  officers  in  the  Con- 

tinantal  Line  of  the  Army  humbly  Sheweth 

that  by  a  refolution  of  the  Honnorable  Congrefs 
pafsed  the  20*^^  day  of  September  1776,  and  other 
fubsequent  refolves,  the  officers  (and  Soldiers,  en- 
gaged for  the  War)  of  the  american  army,  who  fhall 
continu  in  fervice  till  the  eflablishment  of  Peace,  or  in 
cafe  of  their  Dying  in  fervice  their  Heirs,  are  entitled 
to  recive  certain  grants  of  land  according  to  their 
feveral  graids,  to  be  procured  for  them  at  the  expence 
of  the  United  States  — 

that  your  petitioners  are  informed,  that  tract  of 
Country  Bounded  North  on  Lake  Erie,  East  on  Pynn- 
falvania  South  eafl  and  South  on  the  river  Ohio, 
West  on  a  line  begining  at  that  part  of  the  Ohio 
which  lies  24  mile  west  of  mouth  of  the  river  Sioto, 
thence  runing  North  on  a  Meridian  line  till  it  inter- 
sects the  River  Miami,  which  falls  into  Lake  Erie, 
thence  down  the  midle  of  that  river  to  the  Lake  —  Is 
a  tract  of  country  not  claimed  as  the  property  of ;  or 
within  the  jurisdiction  of  any  pirticuler  flate  in  the 
Union  — 


2i6        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

that  this  country  is  of  fufficent  extent  the  lands  of 
fuch  a  qualety  and  its  Sittuation  fuch  as  may  induce 
Congrefs  to  aligne  and  mark  it  out  as  a  tract  or  teri- 
tory  futable  to  form  a  distinct  goverment  (or  Colloney 
of  the  United  States)  —  in  time  to  be  admited,  one  of 
the  Coiifedirated  States  of  America  — 

Wherefore  your  petitioners  pray  that  whenever  the 
Honnorable  Congrefs  fhall  be  pleafed  to  procure  the 
afore  faid  lands  of  the  Natives,  they  will  make  provi- 
lion  for  the  Location  and  Survey  of  the  lands  to  which 
we  are  entitled,  within  the  district  aforefaid  and  alfo 
for  all  officers  &  Soldiers  who  wifh  to  take  up  their 
lands  in  that  quarter  — 

that  provilion  may  alfo  be  made  for  a  further  grant 
of  lands  to  Such  of  the  army  as  wifh  to  become  ad- 
venturers in  the  new  goverment,  in  Such  quantetys 
and  on  fuch  conditions  of  fettlement,  &  purchefs,  for 
public  fecurities,  as  Congrefs  fhall  Judge  most  for  the 
Intrift  of  the  intended  Govermt  and  rendering  it  of 
lasting  confequence  to  the  American  Empire 
and  as  in  Duty  Bound 

will  ever  pray^. 
May  7th  1783  — 

COPPY  OF  LETTER  TO  GEN*-  WASHINGTON 

New  Winsor  June  i6t'i,  1783 
Sir 

As  it  is  very  unsertain  how  long  it  may  be  before 
the  Honorable  Congrefs,  may  take  the  petition  of  the 
officers  of  the  Army,  for  lands  between  the  Ohio  River 
and  Lake  Erie,  into  confideration,  or  be  in  a  fittuation 
to  defide  thereon  ;  the  Going  to  Philidelphia  to  nego- 
tiate the  businefs  with  any  of  its  members  or  Com- 

1  For  the  names  of  the  two  hundred  and  eighty-eight  petitioning  officers, 
see  Manasseh  Cutler  —  Life,  Journals,  and  Correspondence,  vol.  i.  pp.  160- 
167. 


REFERENCES   TO    RUFUS    PUTNAM'S    PLAN    OF 
PART   OF   THE   CITY   OF   MARIETTA 

References ' 

A  B  C  D.  Is  the  Remains  of  an  ancient  wall  or  rampert  of  Earth 
whofe  Bafe  is  from  25  to  36  feet  and  its  height  from  4  to  8  feet,  at 
a  it  is  5,  at  b,  4,  at  c,  8  &  at  d,  6  feet  high,  the  chafms  or  open- 
ings in  the  wall  A  C  the  largest  8  perch  and  the  others  4  perch  14 
links  and  the  other  chafms  appeared  to  be  of  the  Same  propotion 
Fig  I  is  a  mound  of  Earth  with  a  Horizontol  plane  on  the  top  12 
perch  by  8  and  its  hight  9  feet  with  gradual  projecting  afsents  for 
going  up  on  each  Side  while  the  other  parts  are  as  neer  parpindic- 
uler  as  a  compofition  of  earth  will  admit 

Fig  2  a  mound  of  Earth  whofe  height  is  8  feet,  and  the  plain  on 
the  top  9.3  perch  by  8.2  p^  and  is  every  other  way  like  the  other 
except  it  has  one  Side  indented  — 

Fig  3  is  evidently  an  artificial  work  but  not  So  high  nor  perfect  as 
the  Figs  I  &  2 

Fig  4  is  a  bank  of  earth  in  form  as  the  Figs  describe[dj  rifeing 
from  2  to  4  feet 

Figs  5  &  6  are  two  parralel  walls  of  earth,  distent  from  each  other 
(from  center  to  center)  14  perch,  at  e  &  f  their  parpindiculer  height 
is  21  feet,  and  base  42  feet  at  g  &  h  their  height  is  8  feet,  (this 
height  was  taken  on  the  infide  or  between  the  two  walls,  on  the 
out  Side  they  are  no  where  more  then  5  feet  high.)  it  apears 
most  probable  that  the  margen  of  the  plane  was  indented  hear  with 
a  natural  hollow  which  was  improved  into  a  Spacious  and  beauti- 
full  pasage  from  the  River  to  the  principle  work 
Fig  7  has  by  Some  ben  confidiered  as  an  artificial  work,  but  it 
may  be  justly  doubted  it  rather  appears  a  natural  hollow  way 
E  F  G  H  are  walls  or  banks  of  earth,     their  height  &  base  ware 

'   I""or  additional  minutes  concerning  General  Putn.-im's  survey  of  the  ancient  earth- 
works, see  Manasseh  Cutlet — Life^  Journals,  atui  Corresfiontietue,  vol.  i.  p.  418. 

{References  continued  on  back  0/  map.) 


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I'l.AX  OF   PAR  T  OK 

Af  the  confluence  oltliL'  livcrs  Oliio  ;iikI  Mu 
works  tbuiid  their.     Surveveci  fo?-  ihe  C) 


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r\li  C   1  I  ^     M  AKllilTA 

iiiffuin  tosratlicr  with    tlic  miiuins  (»f  ancient 
3  Company,      l7^^'^.      By  Kiiliis   ['utnnrn 


(Continued  frotn  front  o/maf.) 

not  taken  by  meafure,  but  they  appear  to  be  about  20  feet  bafe  and 

from  3  to  5  feet  high 

V\gs  8,  9,  10  are  all  imperfect  traces  of  Somthing  that  appears  like 

artiffical  walls  or  banks  of  earth 

Fig  II  is  the  evident  traces  of  a  Rampert  at  the  termination  of  the 

plane 

Fig  12  appears  to  be  an  artificial  mound  of  earth  whofe  Bafe  is  in 

form  of  an  EHipsis  and  is  about  3  feet  high  — 

Fig  13  is  an  artifical  mound  of  earth  whofe  Bafe  is  about  4  perch 

Diameter  and  forms  a  hillock  about  12  feet  high 

Fig^  14,  15,  16,  17,  18,  19,  20,  21,  22,  23,  24,  all  of  them  appear  to 

be  artificial  hillocks  of  different  dementions     their  Base?  neerly 

cerculer.     none  of  them  are  more  then  30  feet  diameter  nor  then 

5  feet  high  — 

Fig  25  is  a  mound  of  Earth  whofe  Bafe  forms  a  reguler  cercle  115 

feet  Diameter  and  its  Altitude  30  feet.     See  the  elivation  of  this 

Figur  in  the  head  [right  upper  corner]  of  the  Plan  — 

Fig  26  is  a  level  Space  of  33  feet  between  the  mound  and  Ditch 

Fig  27  a  Ditch  15  feet  wide  &  4  feet  deep 

Fig  28  a  wall  or  Bank  of  Earth  4  feet  high,  whofe  Circumference 

is  45.9  perch,  and  its  bafe  15  feet  — 

Fig  29  is  a  chafm  or  opening  probably  intended  for  Gate  way. 

Caves     thefe  places  are  by  Some  Suppofed  to  be  artificial,  but  by 

others  to  be  northing  more  then  natural  Cavins 

N  B     thefe  works  are  all  Situated  on  an  Elivated  plain,  thoe  not 

perfectly  level,  for  Suppose  a  line  drawn  through  the  center  of  the 

principle  work  A  I j  C  D  to  Figure  25  or  the   Great   Mound,  the 

land  decends  gradually  to  the  Margen  of  the  Plain,  where  it  Sud- 

enly  falls  about  Forty  feet,  to  the  Intervelor  first  bottoms,  towards 

the  Muskingum  and  Ohio  rivers,  and  in  like  maner  towards  the 

rivulets  in  the  opposet  direction 

Remember  the  high  mound  is  too  far  South  in  this  Plan 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        217 

mitte  to  whome  the  petition  may  be  refered,  is  a 
meafure  none  of  the  petitioners  will  think  of  under- 
takeing 

The  part  I  have  taken  in  promoteing  the  petition 
is  well  known  and  therefore  needs  know  appologies 
when  I  fay  the  figners  expect  I  will  take  meafures  to 
have  it  laid  before  Congrefs ;  under  thefe  circum- 
flances  I  beg  leve  to  put  the  petition  into  your  Excel- 
lencys  hands  and  with  the  greater  afurenc  ask  your 
Patronage  of  it.  —  that  Congrefs  may  not  be  wholly 
unacquaint  with  the  motive  of  the  petition,  I  beg 
you  Indulgenc  whil  I  make  a  few  obfervations  on 
the  policy  and  propriety  of  granting  the  prayer  of  it 
and  makeing  fuch  arangments  of  Garifons  in  the 
Western  quarter  as  fhall  give  effectual  protection  to 
the  fetlers  and  encourag  emigration  to  the  New  Gov- 
erment  which  if  they  meet  your  approbation,  & 
it  is  not  too  grate  a  favor,  I  must  request  your  Ex- 
cellency will  please  to  give  them  your  fupport  &  caufe 
them  to  be  forw^arded  with  the  petition  to  the  preli- 
dent  of  Congrefs  in  ordor  that  when  the  petition  is 
taken  up,  congrefs,  or  their  committee,  may  be  in- 
formed on  what  principle  the  petition  is  grounded  — 

I  am  Sir  among  those  who  confider  the  Cefsion  of 
fo  grate  a  tract  of  Teritory  to  the  United  States,  in 
the  Western  World  as  a  very  happy  circumflance ; 
and  of  grate  confequence  to  the  American  Empire  — 
—  nor  have  I  the  least  doubt  but  Congrefs  will  pay 
an  early  attention  to  fecureing  the  Allegience  of  the 
natives ;  as  well  as  provide  for  the  defence  of  that 
Country  in  cafe  of  a  War  with  Great  Britain  ;  or 
Spain 

one  grate  mean  of  fecuring  the  allegience  of  the 
natives,  I  take  to  be  the  furnishing  them  with  fuch 
necefsaries  as  they  want,  and  in  exchange  reciveing 


2i8        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

their  Furs  and  Skins  —  tliey  are  become  fo  acustomed 
to  the  use  of  Fire  arms,  that  I  doubt  if  they  could  gain 
a  fubsistence  without  them,  at  least  they  will  be  very 
forry  to  be  reduced  to  the  disagreeable  necefsity  of 
useing  the  Bow  and  Arrow  as  the  only  means  for  kill- 
ing their  gaim,  and  fo  habituated  are  they  to  the 
Woolen  Blanket  &c  that  an  abfolute  necfsity  alone 
will  prevent  their  makeing  use  of  them  — 

This  confideration  alone  is,  I  think,  fufficient  to 
prove  the  necfsity  of  ellablishing  fuch  Factories  as 
may  furnish  an  ample  fupply  to  thefe  wretched  crea- 
tures—  for  unlefs  they  are  furnifhed  by  the  fubjects 
of  the  United  States  they  will  undoubtly  feek  elfe 
where  and  like  all  other  people  forme  their  atach- 
ments  where  they  have  their  commerfe,  and  then  in 
cafe  of  a  war  will  always  be  fertain  to  aidowx  enemys 
—  therfore  if  there  was  no  advantage  in  view  but 
that  of  ataching  them  to  our  intrist,  I  think  good 
policy  would  dictate  the  meafure  of  carying  on  a  com- 
merce with  thefe  people,  but  when  we  add  to  this  the 
confideration  of  the  profit  ariseing  from  the  Indian 
trade  in  general,  their  cannot  I  prefume  be  a  doubt ; 
that  it  is  the  intrill  of  the  United  States  to  make  as 
earley  provifion  for  the  encouragement  and  protection 
of  it  as  posable. 

For  thefe  and  many  other  obvious  reafons,  Con- 
grefs  will  no  Doubt  find  it  necefsery  to  eflablish  gari- 
fons  at  Oswego ;  Niagara;  Michillimakanac ;  Illi- 
nois ;  and  many  other  places  in  the  Western  World 

The  Illinois  and  all  the  post  that  fhall  be  eflablished 
on  the  Mifsifippi,  may  undoubtedly  be  furnished  by 
way  of  the  ohio  with  provifions  at  all  times  ;  and  with 
goods  whenever  a  War  fhall  interrupt  the  trade  with 
New  Orleans. 

but  in  case  of  a  war  with  great  Brittain  unlefs  a 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        219 

communication  is  opened  between  the  River  ohio  and 
Lake  Erie;  Niagara^  Detroit;   and    all    the   posts 

feated  on  the  grate  Lakes,  will  enevitably  be  lost 

for  with  out  fuch  communication  a  Navel  fuperiorety 
on  Lake  Ontario^  or  the  feazing  on  Niagara;  will 
fubject  the  whole  country  bordoring  on  the  Lakes  to 
the  Will  of  the  enemy  —  fuch  a  mifefortune  will  put 
it  out  of  the  power  of  the  United  States  to  furnifh  the 
Natives  ;  and  necefsity  again  will  oblige  them  to  take 
part  against  us.  — 

Where  and  how  this  communication  is  to  be  opened 
fhall  next  be  confidered.  if  Cap*  Hutchens  and  a 
number  of  other  Map  makers  are  not  out  in  their 
calculations  ;  provifions  may  be  fent  from  the  fettel- 
ments  on  the  fouth  fide  the  ohio  by  the  Muskingum 
or  the  Sioto  ;  to  Detroit  or  even  to  Niagara,  cheaper 
then  from  Albany,  by  the  Mohawk  to  thofe  places  — 
to  fecure  fuch  communication  (by  the  Sioto  all  cir- 
cumllances  confidered  will  be  the  beft)  let  a  chain  of 
post  be  eftablished.  thefe  Forts  fhould  be  built  on  the 
bank  of  the  River  if  the  ground  will  admit  and  about 
20  mile  distent  from  each  other  and  on  this  plan  the 
Sioto  communication,  will  require  ten  or  eleven, 
flockade  Forts  Flanked  by  Block  houfes  and  a  com- 
pany of  men  will  be  a  fufficient  garifon  for  each  ex- 
cept the  one  at  the  portage  which  will  require  more 
attention  in  the  confl;ruction  and  a  larger  number  of 
men  to  garifon  it. 

but  befides  the  fupplying  the  garifons  on  the  great 
Lakes  with  provisions,  &c  —  we  ought  to  take  into 
confideration,  the  protection  that  fuch  an  arrangement 
will  give  to  the  Frontiers  of  Virginia  Pennfylvania 
and  New-york,  —  I  fay  New-york  for  we  ftiall  un- 
doubtedly extend  our  fettelments  and  garifons  from 
the  Hudfon  to  ofwego  ;  this  don  and  a  garifon  polled 


220        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

at  Niagara,  whoever  will  infpect  the  Maps  —  must 
be  convinced  that  all  the  Indians,  liveing  on  the 
waters  of  the  Mohawk  Ofwego ;  Susquehannah  and 
Alegheny  Rivers,  and  in  all  the  country  fouth  of  the 
Lakes,  Ontario  and  Erie,  will  be  encircled  in  fuch  a 
maner  as  will  effectually  fecure  their  Allegience  and 
keep  them  quiet,  or  oblige  them  to  quit  their  coun- 
try — 

Nor  will  fuch  an  arrangement  of  posts  from  the 
ohio  to  Lake  Erie  be  any  additional  expence  for 
unlefs  this  gap  is  fhut ;  notwithllanding  your  garifons 
on  the  Lakes,  and  from  ofwego  to  the  Hudfon,  yet 
the  Frontier  settelers  on  the  ohio  by  Fort  Pitt  to  the 
Susquehannah  and  all  the  Country  fouth  of  the  Mo- 
hawk will  be  exposed  to  favage  infult ;  unlefs  pro- 
tected by  a  chain  of  garifons  which  will  be  far  more 
expencive  then  the  arrangment  proposed  ;  and  at  the 
fame  time  the  protection  given  to  these  Hates  will 
be  much  lefs  compleat.  —  befides  we  fhould  not  con- 
fine our  protection  to  the  prefent  fettelments  ;  but 
cary  the  Idea  of  extending  them  at  leail  as  far  as  the 
Lakes  Ontario  and  Erie, 

thefe  Lakes  form  fuch  a  natural  barrier  that  when 
connected  with  the  Hudfon  and  ohio  by  the  garifons 
propofed,  fettelments  in  every  part  of  the  ftate,  of 
New  york  and  Pennfylvania  may  be  made  with  the 
utmost  faifty  —  fo  that  thefe  States  must  be  deeply 
intriHed  in  the  Meafure  as  well  as  Virginnia  —  who 
will  have  a  grate  part  of  her  Frontier  fecured  and  the 
reft  much  flrengthened  — 

Nor  is  there  a  flate  in  the  Union  but  will  be  greatly 
benefited  by  the  meafure,  confidered  in  a  nother  point 
of  view  —  for  without  any  expence  except  a  fmall 
allowance  of  purches  money  to  the  Natives ;  the 
United  States  will  have  within  their  protection  about 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        221 

i7,5oo,cxx)  of  acres  of  very  fine  lands,  to  dispose  of 
as  they  fhall  think  proper.  —  but  I  hasten  to  mention 
fome  of  the  expectations  which  the  petitioners  have 
refpecting  the  conditions  on  which  they  hope  to 
obtain  the  lands  ;  this  was  not  proper  to  mention  in 
the  body  of  the  petition  efpecially  as  we  pray  for 
grants  to  all  members  of  the  army  who  wifh  to  take 
up  lands  in  that  quarter 

The  whole  tract  is  fupposed  to  contain  about 
17,418240  acres  and  will  admit  of  756  Townfhips  of 
fix  mile  fquare  —  alowing  to  each  Townfhip  3040 
acres  for  the  Minellry  ;  fchools  ;  Wast  lands  ;  Rivers 
ponds  and  Highways  then  each  Townfhip  will  con- 
tain of  fetlers  lands  20,000  acres  and  in  the  whole 
15,120,000  acres  —  the  lands  to  which  the  army  are 
entiteled  by  the  refolves  of  Congrefs  refered  to  in  the 
petition,  according  to  my  ellemate  will  amount  to 
about  2,106,850  acres  which  is  about  the  8**^  part  of 
the  whole  for  the/itrvey  of  this  the  army  expect  to 
be  at  no  expence,  nor  do  they  expect  to  be  under 
any  obligation  to  fettle  thefe  lands  or  do  any  duty 
to  fecure  their  title  in  them  —  but  in  ordor  to  induce 
the  army  to  become  fetlers  in  the  New  Goverment 
the  petitioners  hope  Congrefs  will  make  a  further 
grant  of  lands  on  condition  of  fettelment,  and  have 
no  doubt  but  that  honorable  body  will  be  as  liberal 
to  all  who  are  not  provided  for  by  their  owne  States 
as  New-york  have  ben  to  the  officers  and  foldiers 
who  belong  to  that  Hate  —  which  if  they  do  it  will  re- 
quire about  8,000,000  of  acres  to  compleat  the  army 
and  about  7,000,000  of  acres  will  remain  which  the 
petitioner  hope  Congrefs  will  grant  the  army  the 
exclufive  right,  at  leail  for  a  time  of  purchesing  with 
pubic  fecurity  at  a  given  [?]  price 

Thefe  Sir  ware  the  principels  which  gave  rife  to  the 


222        OFFICIAL  CORRESPONDENCE 

petition  under  coniideration,  the  Petitioners,  at  least 
fome  of  them,  concive  that  found  poHcy  dictate  the 
meafure  and  that  Congrefs  ought  to  loofe  no  time  in 
eaflbHfhing  fome  fuch  chain  of  posts  as  has  ben 
hinted  at,  and  in  procureing  the  tract  of  country- 
petitioned  for  of  the  Natives  —  for  the  moment  this 
is  don  and  agreeable  tearms  offered  to  the  fetlers 
many  of  the  petitioners  are  ditermined  not  only  to 
become  adventurers  but  actually  to  remove  them- 
felves  to  this  country  ;  and  their  is  not  the  least 
doubt  but  many  other  valuable  Cittizens  will  follow 
their  example  ;  and  the  proverbility  is  that  the  Coun- 
try between  the  ohio  and  Lake  Erie  in  a  very  few 
years  will  be  filled  with  Inhabitents  ;  and  the  faithfull 
fubject  of  the  United  States,  fo  eflablifhed  on  the 
Waters  of  the  ohio  and  the  Lakes  as  to  banifh  forever 
the  Idea  of  our  Wellern  Teritory  falling  under  the 
Dominion  of  any  European  power  the  Frontiers  of 
the  old  Hates  will  be  effectually  fecured  from  favage 
alarams  and  the  New  will  have  little  to  fear  from 
their  Infults. 

but  I  cannot  clofe  this  letter  without  obferveing 
that  the  petitioners  (at  least  fom  of  them)  are  much 
oppofed  to  the  monopoly  of  lands  and  wifh  to  guard 
against  large  patents  being  Granted  to  indeviduals, 
as  in  their  opinion  fuch  a  mode  is  very  injurious  to 
a  country  and  grately  retards  its  fettelment,  and 
whenever  fuch  patannts  are  Tenanted,  it  throws  too 
much  power  in  the  hands  of  a  few  —  for  thefe  and 
many  other  obvious  reafons  the  petitioners  hope  no 
grants  will  be  made  but  by  Townfhips  of  fix  mile 
fquair  or  fix  by  twelve  or  fix  by  eighteen ;  to  be  fub- 
divided  by  the  proprietors :  to  fix  mile  fquair  that 
being  the  llandard  on  which  they  wifii  all  calculation 
may  be  made   and  that  officers  and  foldiers  as  well 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        223 

as  thofe  who  petition  for  charters  ;  on  purches,  may 
form  their  afofiation  on  one  Uniform  priciple  as  to 
Number  of  perfons  or  rights  to  be  contained  in  a 
Townfhip  —  with  this  exception  only  that  when  the 
Grant  is  made  for  reward  of  fervice  already  don  or 
on  condition  of  fettelment,  if  the  officers  petition  with 
the  foldiers  for  a  pirticuler  Townfhip,  the  foldier  fhall 
have  one  right  only  to  three  of  the  Captain  and  fo  in 
propotion  with  other  officer,  to  be  the  better  under- 
flood  I  will  propofe  the  following  fcheam,  each  clafs 
of  proprietors  for  a  grant  or  charter  of  land  to  con- 
fist  of  100  rights  made  up  in  the  following  maner  ^ 

COPPy   OF   A   LETTER   TO   GEN''   WASHINGTON 

Rutland  April  ye  5*  1784 
Dear  Sir 

being  unavoidably  prevented  from  attending  the 
General  meeting  of  the  Cincinati  at  Philidelphia  as  I 
had  intended  where  I  once  more  expected  the  opper- 
tunity  in  perfon  to  pay  my  refpects  to  your  Excel- 
lency, I  cannot  denye  my  Self  the  honour  of  addrefs- 
ing  you  by  letter,  to  acknowledge  with  gratitude  the 
ten  thousand  obligations  I  feal  my  Self  under  to  your 
goodnefs  and  moll  Sincearly  to  congratulate  you  on 
your  return  to  domistic  hapinefs,  to  enquire  after 
your  health  and  wifh  the  best  of  heavens  blefsings 
may  attend  you  and  your  Dear  Lady  — 

the  Settlement  of  the  ohio  Country  Sir  ingrofses 
many  of  my  thoughts,  and  much  of  my  time  Sence  I 
left  Camp  has  ben  employed  in  informing  my  Self 
and  others  with  refpect  to  the  Nature  Situation  and 
circumflances  of  that  country,  and  the  pratability  of 
removeing  our  Selves  there  and  if  I  am  to  form  an 
opinion  on  what  I  have  Seen  and  heard  on  the  Sub- 

1  The  original  draft  is  incomplete. 


224        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

ject  there  is  thousands  in  this  quarter  will  Emigrate 
to  that  country  as  Soon  as  the  honourable  Congrefs 
make  provision  for  granting  lands  their  and  locations 
and  Settlements  can  be  made  with  Saifty,  unlefs 
such  provision  is  too  long  delayed,  I  mean  till  ne- 
cefsity  turn  their  view  another  way  which  is  the  cafe 
with  Some  already  and  must  Soon  be  the  cafe  with 
many  more  —  you  are  Sencible  of  the  necefsity  as 
well  as  the  propriety  of  both  officers  and  Soldiers 
fixing  them  Selves  in  bulinefs  Somewhere  as  Soon 
as  posable,  as  many  of  them  are  unable  to  lie  long 
on  their  oars  waiting  the  desition  of  Congrefs  on  our 
petition  and  therefore  mufl  unavoidably  fix  them 
Selves  in  Some  other  quarter  which  when  don  the 
Idea  of  removeing  to  the  ohio  Country  will  proba- 
bly be  at  an  end  with  refpect  to  most  of  them  — 
besides  the  Commonwealth  of  Mafsachusetts  have 
come  to  a  refolution  to  Sell  their  Eastern  Country  for 
public  Securities,  and  Should  their  plan  be  formed 
and  their  propositions  be  made  public  before  we  hear 
any  thing  from  Congrefs  refpecting  our  petition  and 
the  terms  on  which  the  lands  petitioned  for,  are  to  be 
obtained  it  will  undoubtedly  be  much  against  us  by 
Greatly  lefsening  the  number  of  ohio  afsociates 

Another  reafon  why  we  wiih  to  know  as  Soon  as 
posable  what  the  intentions  of  Congrefs  are  refpect- 
ing our  petition  is  the  effect  Such  knowledge  will 
probably  have  on  the  Credit  of  the  Certificates  we 
have  recived  on  Settlement  of  accounts  those  Secur- 
ities are  now  Selling  at  no  more  then  3/6  &  4/  on 
the  pound,  which  in  all  probability  might  double  if 
no  more  the  moment  it  was  known  that  Goverment 
would  recive  them  for  lands  in  the  ohio  Country  — 
from  thefe  circumllances  and  many  others  which 
might  be  mentioned  we  are  growing  quite  impatient 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        225 

and  the  general  enquir}^  now  is  when  are  we  going  to 
the  Ohio  —  among  others  Brigdear  Gen^  Tupper  L* 
Col°  Oliver  and  Major  Afhley  have  agreed  to  accom- 
pany me  to  that  country  the  moment  the  way  is  open 
for  Such  an  undertakeing  — 

I  Should  have  hinted  thefe  things  to  Some  member 
of  Congrefs,  but  the  Delegates  from  Mafsachusetts 
althoe  exceeding  worthy  men  and  in  General  would 
wifh  to  promote  the  Ohio  Scheme  yet  if  it  Should 
Militate  with  the  perticuler  intrest  of  this  State  by 
draneing  her  of  inhabitants  efpecially  when  she  is 
forming  the  plan  of  Selling  the  Eastern  country,  I 
thought  they  would  not  be  very  warm  advocates  in 
our  favor  and  I  dare  not  trust  my  Self  with  any  of  the 
New  york  Delagates  with  whome  I  was  acquainted, 
becaufe  that  Goverment  are  wifely  inviteing  the 
Eastern  people  to  Settle  in  that  State  and  as  to  the 
Deligats  of  other  States  I  have  no  acquaintance  with 
any  of  them 

thefe  circumflances  must  apologize  for  my  trou- 
bleing  you  on  this  Subject,  and  requesting  the  favor 
of  a  line  to  inform  us  in  this  quarter  what  the 
prospects  are  with  refpect  to  our  petition  and  what 
meafures  have  or  are  like  to  be  taken  with  refpect 
to  Settling  the  ohio  Country  — 

I  Shall  take  it  as  a  very  perticuler  favor  Sir  if  you 
will  be  kind  enough  to  recommend  me  to  Some 
Charractor  in  Congrefs  acquainted  with  and  attached 
to  the  ohio  caufe  with  whome  I  may  prefume  to  open 
a  corispondence 

I  am  Sir  with  the  Highest  refpect 
your  humble  Servant 

RuFus  Putnam 

Gen^  Washington 


226        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 


gen'-  washingtons  letter 


Mount  Vernon  2d  June  1784 
Dear  Sir, 

I  could  not  answer  your  favor  of  the  5*^  of  April  ^ 
from  Philadelphia  because  Gen^  Knox  having  mislaid, 
only  presented  the  letter  to  me  in  the  moment  of 
my  departure  from  that  place.  —  The  sentiments  of 
esteem  &  friendship  which  breathe  in  it  are  exceed- 
ingly pleasing  &  flattering  to  me  —  and  you  may 
rest  afsured  they  are  reciprocal.  — 

I  wish  it  was  in  my  power  to  give  you  a  more  fa- 
vorable ace*  of  the  Officers  petition  for  Lands  on  the 
Ohio,  &  its  Waters  than  I  am  about  to  do — After 
this  matter,  &  information  respecting  the  establish- 
ment for  Peace,  were  my  enquiries  as  I  went  through 
Annapolis  solely  directed  but  I  could  not  learn  that 
any  thing  decisive  had  been  done  in  either  —  Of  the 
latter  I  hear  Congrefs  are  differing  about  their  powers 
but  as  they  have  accepted  of  the  Cefsion  from  Virginia 
&  have  resolved  to  lay  ofE  10  New  States  bounded  by 
latitudes  &  longitudes  it  should  be  supposed  that  they 
would  determine  something  respecting  the  former 
before  they  adjourn  ;  and  yet,  I  very  much  question 
it  as  the  latter  is  to  happen  on  the  third  —  that  is  to 
morrow  — 

As  the  Congrefs  who  are  to  meet  in  November 
next  by  the  adjournment  will  be  composed  from  an 
entire  new  choice  of  Delegates  in  each  State  it  is  not 
in  my  power  at  this  time  to  direct  you  to  a  proper 
corrispondent  in  that  body  —  I  wish  I  could  —  for 
persuaded  I  am  that  to  some  such  cause  as  you 
have  afsigned  may  be  afcribed  the  delay  the  petition 
has  encountered  for  surely  \i  justice  da  gratitude  to  the 

^  Page  223. 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        227 

Army  —  and  gen^ policy  of  the  Union  were  to  govern 
in  this  case  there  would  not  be  the  smallest  interrup- 
tion in  granting  its  request  —  I  really  feel  for  those 
Gendemen  who  by  these  unaccountable  delays  (by 
any  other  means  than  those  you  have  suggested)  are 
held  in  such  an  awkward  &  disagreeable  State  of  sus- 
pence  ;  and  wish  my  endeavors  could  remove  the 
obstacles  —  at  Princeton  (before  Congrefs  left  that 
place)  I  exerted  every  power  I  was  master  of,  &  dwelt 
upon  the  arguments  you  have  used  to  shew  the  pro- 
priety of  a  speedy  decision  —  every  member  with 
whom  I  conversed  acquiesced  in  the  reasonablenefs 
of  the  petition  —  all  yielded,  or  seemed  to  yield  to 
the  policy  of  it,  but  plead  the  want  of  cefsion  of  the 
Land  to  act  upon  —  this  is  made  and  accepted  &  yet 
matters  (as  far  as  they  have  come  to  my  knowledge) 
remain  in  Statu  quo. 

I  am  endeavoring  to  do  something  with  the  lands 
I  now  hold,  &  have  held  in  that  Country  these  12  or 
14  years  —  The  enclosed^  contain  the  terms  upon 
which  I  propose  to  Lease  them  —  I  am  not  sanguine 
in  my  expectations  that  I  shall  obtain  Tenants  upon 
them  in  this  Country  ;  &  yet,  on  Leases  renewable 
for  ever,  or  for  the  term  of  999  years  I  will  not  (con- 
sidering the  advantages  of  these  Lands,  in  quality  & 
situation)  take  lefs  —  for  a  short  term  I  care  little  about 
the  Rents  because  knowing  the  value  and  convenience 
of  the  Land,  I  am  certain  that  the  improvements  which 
are  conditioned  to  be  made  thereon,  will  enable  me 
thereafter  to  command  my  own  terms  —  if  you  think 
the  promulgation  of  the  Paper  enclosed  can  be  of 

1  Page  228. 


228        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

Service  to  others  or  myself  it  is  optional  with  you  to 
do  it 

I  am  —  D--  Sir 

With  very  sincere  esteem  &  regard 
y  Most  Obed  Serv* 
G«  Washington 
Brig  Gen^  Putnam. 

GEN^   WASHINGTONS    ADVERTIZEMENT 

[Enclosed  in  the  preceding  letter.] 

Mount-Vernon,  April  2,  1784. 

The  Subfcriber  would  leafe  about  30,000  acres  of 
land  on  the  Ohio  and  Great  Kanhawa,  for  which  he 
has  had  patents  ten  or  twelve  years  :  Ten  thoufand 
of  thefe,  in  three  tradls,  lie  upon  the  Ohio,  between 
the  mouths  of  the  two  Kanhawas,  having  a  front  upon 
the  river  of  fifteen  miles,  and  beautifully  bordered  by 
it.  —  The  remaining  20,000  acres,  in  four  other  fur- 
veys,  lie  upon  the  Great  Kanhawa,  from  the  mouth, 
or  near  it,  upwards.  —  Thefe  four  traces,  together, 
have  a  margin  upon  that  river,  by  which  it  is  bounded, 
of  more  than  40  miles. 

After  having  faid  thus  much  of  the  land,  it  is  almoU 
fuperfluous  to  add  that  the  whole  of  it  is  river  low 
grounds,  of  the  firfl  quality  —  but  it  is  effential  to  re- 
mark that  a  great  deal  of  it  may  be  converted  into 
the  finefl  mowing  ground  imaginable,  with  little  or  no 
labour,  nature,  and  the  water-flops  which  have  been 
made  by  the  bever,  having  done  more  to  eflfedt  this, 
than  years  of  hard  labour  in  moll  other  rich  foils  ;  and 
that  the  land  back  of  thefe  bottoms,  mufl  for  ever 
render  the  latter  uncommonly  profitable  for  flock,  on 
account  of  the  extenfivenefs  of  the  range,  as  it  is  of 
a  nature,  being  extremely  broken,  not  to  be  feated  or 
cultivated. 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        229 

Thefe  lands  may  be  had  on  three  tenures  —  Firfl, 
until  January  1795,  and  no  longer. — Second,  until 
January  1795,  renewable  every  ten  years  for  ever.  — 
Third,  for  nine  hundred  and  ninety-nine  years. 
The  RENTS,  CONDITIONS,  and  PRIVILEGES,  are  as 
follow  : 

First,  An  exemption  from  rent  three  years,  upon 
condition,  that  five  acres  for  every  hundred,  and  pro- 
portionably  for  a  greater  or  lelTer  quantity,  contained 
in  the  leafe,  fhall,  within  that  fpace  be  cleared  and 
tilled,  or  in  order  for  the  latter  ;  and  a  houfe  fit  for 
the  comfortable  accommodation  of  the  tenant  erected 
on  the  premifes. 

Second,  That  before  the  expiration  of  the  term  of 
the  leafes  of  the  firfl  tenure,  or  the  firfl  ten  years  of  thofe 
of  the  fecond  and  third,  a  dwelling-houfe  of  brick,  or 
Hone,  or  of  framed  work,  with  a  Hone  or  brick  chimney, 
and  a  good  barn,  fuited  to  the  fize  of  the  tenement, 
fhall  be  built  thereon  ;  an  orchard  of  good  fruit,  to 
confift  of  as  many  trees  as  there  are  acres  fpecified 
in  the  leafe  planted  and  inclofed ;  and  five  acres  for 
every  hundred,  and  proportionably  for  a  greater  or 
lelTer  quantity,  improved  into  meadow,  which,  or  the 
like  quantity,  fhall  always  be  retained  for  mowing. 

Third,  The  land  to  be  accurately  meafured  to  each 
grantee,  w^ho  will  be  allowed  to  take  (in  regular  form 
with  an  extenfion  back  proportioned  to  the  front  of 
the  river)  as  much  as  his  inclination  and  ability  may 
require,  which  quantity  fhall  be  fecured  to  him  and 
his  heirs,  by  a  leafe  in  the  ufual  form,  with  proper 
claufes,  binding  on  landlord  and  tenant,  for  perform- 
ance of  covenants. 

Fourth,  A  Spanifh  milled  dollar  of  the  prefent  coin, 
fhall  pafs  in  payment  for  fix  fhillings,  and  other  gold 
and  filver  in  that  proportion. 


230        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

Fifth,  The  flaple  commodity,  or  other  article  of  pro- 
duce (for  the  greater  eafe  and  convenience  of  the 
tenant)  may  be  fubllituted  in  lieu  of  money-rent  in 
the  leafes,  if  the  parties,  at  or  before  the  firfl  rent  fhall 
become  due,  can  agree  upon  a  medium  value  for  it. 

Sixth,  If  the  exigency  or  policy  of  the  State  in 
which  thefe  lands  lie,  fhould  at  any  time  impofe  a  tax 
upon  them,  or  their  appendages,  fuch  tax  is  to  be 
borne  by  the  tenant. 

Seventh,  Thefe  conditions,  &c.  being  common  to 
the  leafes  of  the  three  different  tenures,  the  rent  of 
the  firfl  will  be  Four  Pounds  per  annum,  for  every 
hundred  acres  contained  in  the  leafe,  and  proportion- 
ably  for  a  greater  or  leffer  quantity.  —  Of  the  fecond, 
One  Shilling  for  every  acre  contained  in  the  leafe, 
until  the  year  1 795  —  Oiie  Shilling  ajtd  Sixpence  for 
the  like  quantity  afterwards,  until  the  year  1805  —  Two 
Shillijtgs  afterwards,  till  the  year  18 15  —  and  the  like 
increafe  per  acre  for  every  ten  years,  until  the  rent 
amounts  to  and  fhall  have  remained  at  Five  Shillings 
for  the  ten  years  next  enfuing  —  after  which  it  is  to 
encreafe  Three-pence  per  acre  every  ten  years  forever. 
—  Of  the  Third,  Two  Shillings  for  every  acre  therein 
contained,  at  which  it  will  fland  for  999  years,  the 
term  for  which  it  is  granted. 

The  fituation  of  thefe  lands  are  not  only  pleafant, 
but  in  any  point  of  view,  in  which  they  can  be  con- 
fidered,  muft  be  exceedingly  advantageous  ;  for  if  the 
produce  of  the  country,  according  to  the  ideas  of  fome, 
Ihould  go  down  the  Miffiffippi,  they  are  nearly  as 
convenient  for  that  tranfportation,  having  the  flream 
without  any  obHrudlion  in  it  to  defcend,  as  thofe  which 
are  now  fettling  about  the  Falls  of  the  Ohio,  and  upon 
Kentucky  —  to  the  choice  of  which,  among  other  rea- 
fons,  people  were  driven  by  the  grants  to  the  officers 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        231 

and  foldiers,  of  which  thefe  are  part  in  the  upper 
country,  and  from  the  impracticability  of  obtaining 
lands  in  extenfive  bodies  elfewhere.  —  If  it  fhould 
come  by  way  of  Fort-Pitt  to  Potomack  (which  is  the 
moll  natural)  or  to  the  Sufquehanna  —  by  the  Great 
Kanhawa  to  James-River  —  or  by  the  Lakes  Erie 
and  Ontario  to  New- York,  they  are  infinitely  more  fo 

—  being,  according  to  Hutchins's  table  of  diflances, 
422  miles  (all  of  which  is  againft  the  llream)  nearer  to 
thofe  markets  than  the  fettlements  lafl  mentioned  :  — 
And  what  in  the  prefent  fituation  of  things,  is  a  mat- 
ter of  no  trifling  confideration,  no  other  claims  can 
interfere  with  thefe,  patents  having  been  long  granted 
for  the  land,  and  the  property  of  it  well  known ;  — 
and  belides,  by  lying  on  the  fouth  eafl  fide  of  the 
Ohio,  can  give  no  jealoufy  to  the  Indians  —  the  pro- 
prietors of  it  therefore  may  cultivate  their  farms  in 
peace,  and  filh,  fowl,  and  hunt,  without  fear  or  mo- 
leflation. 

Although  I  do  not  lay  any  Hrefs  upon  it,  the  pre- 
fumption  being  that  the  Indians,  during  the  late  war, 
have  laid  all  in  rtiins  —  yet  it  is  on  record  in  the 
courts  of  Botetourt  and  Fincaille  (in  which  counties 
the  land  did  lie)  that  buildings,  meadows,  and  other 
improvements,  which  were  made  thereon  in  the  years 
1774  and  1775,  defignedly  for  the  accommodation  of 
tenants,  coll  the  Subfcriber,  as  appears  by  oaths  of 
fworn  appraifers  (conformably  to  the  dire(5lions  of  an 
acft  of  the  AfTembly  of  Virginia,  for  feating  and  culti- 
vating new  lands)  ;^.i568  i8j.  7)^,  equal  to  ;^.i96i 
3j'.  3^.  Maryland  Pennfylvania,  or  Jerfey  currency. 

Thefe  lands  being  peculiarly  well  adapted  for  fmall 
focieties,  who  may  incline  to  be  detached  and  retired 

—  Any  fuch  applying  in  a  body,  or  by  their  pallors 
or  agents,  fhall  have  every  afliflance  and  encourage- 


232        OFFICIAL  CORRESPONDENCE 

ment,  which  can  with  convenience  and  propriety  be 

given,  by 

G.  Washington. 

Alexandria :  Printed  By  G.  Richards,  and  Company. 


secretary  thompsons  letter 

Office  of  Secretary  of  Congress 

May  28th  1785 

Sir, 

I  have  the  pleasure  to  inform  you  that  the  United 
States,  in  Conformity  to  their  Ordinance  for  afcertain- 
ing  the  mode  of  dispofmg  of  lands  in  the  western 
territory,  of  which  I  enclofe  you  a  copy,  have  pro- 
ceeded to  the  election  of  Surveyors  and  have  chofen 
you  one  of  them.  You  will  please  to  inform  me,  as 
foon  as  pofsible,  of  your  Acceptance  that  I  may  make 
Report  thereof  to  Congrefs.  — 

I  am 

Sir  your  obedient 
humble  Servant 
Cha  Thomson 
M^  RuFUs  Putnam 

copy   of    a   LETTER   TO   THE   PRESIDENT 

New  YORK  July  24111  1790 

Sir 

I  left  Muskingum  the  2^  inflent.  Northing  New  in 
that  quarter  Sence  M""  Morgan  came  on  except,  that 
a  number  of  horfes  ware  Stolen  and  one  man  killed, 
at  Belle-vill  (a  Virginia  Settlement  about  three  mile 
below  the  Great  Hockhocking)  which  appears  to  be 
a  Mifschief  altogather  unprovoaked  —  and  about  the 
28^^  of  June  a  woman  was  taken  on  the  Virginnia 
Side  neer  BufFaloe  Creek,  and  afterward  murdered  — 
but  this  bufinefs  was  prefaced   by  the  White  people 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        233 

Stealing  a  number  of  horfes  from  the  Indians  and 
refuseing  to  deliver  them  up  : 

the  New  england  people  have  had  many  horfes 
Stolen  last  fall  &  this  Spring.  Some  by  white  people, 
but  more  by  Indians,  and  there  is  Sufficient  evidence 
that  the  Dellewares  &  Wyndot  who  were  at  the  last 
Treety  as  well  as  the  Shawones  have  ben  concerned 

in  this   Robery there  is   alfo  good   reafon    to 

beleve  that  Several  belonging  to  thofe  tribes  who  at- 
tended the  last  treet[y]  have  ben  concerned  in  mur- 
dering the  people  and  plundng  the  boats  going  down 
the  ohio  the  last  winter  &  Spring,  and  it  is  alfo  Said 
that  a  number  of  White  people  were  among  that 
Gang  of  Robbers  it  Seems  they  are  provided  with 
Boats  on  the  Sioto  &  haveing  obtained  any  booty 
retiere  with  it  up  that  River,  a  Small  Detachment  of 
Troops  Stationed  at  the  mouth  of  the  Sioto  I  think 
would  in  Great  meafure  if  not  wholly  put  a  Stop  to 
this  kind  of  bufmefs,  and  at  the  Same  time  give  con- 
fidence to  the  New  Settlements  commenceing  between 
that  and  the  Great  Kenhawa  — 

by  letters  recived  at  Muskingum  from  M'"  Secretary 
Sargent,  I  learned  that  Govn  S^  Clair  was  Still  in  II- 
lions  [Illinois]  country  and  would  not  probably  return 
to  Muskingum  till  October.  I  alfo  heard  that  Mifieurs 
Syms  and  Turner  ^  left  the  Miami,  in  the  month  of 
May  to  attend  the  Govenor —  under  thefe  Circum- 
ftances  I  concived  it  best  to  return  imediately  for  my 
family  and  expect  to  be  at  Muskingum  with  them  by 
the  time  the  Govenor  Shall  return  — 

I  leve  this  on  monday  morning.  Shall  be  in  town 
again  the  first  or  Second  week  in  September  on  my 
way  to  Muskingum 

1  General  Putnam's  judicial  colleagues. 


234        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

LETTER   TO    M"   AMES  ■^ 
1790 

Sir 

In  converfation  with  you  at  New-york  in  July  last 
(if  I  recollect  right)  you  made  this  a  question  "  ?  can 
we  retain  the  western  country  within  the  goverment 
of  the  United  States :  and  if  we  can  of  what  use  will 
it  be  too  them  "  — 

I  confefs  this  Subject  is  far  beyond  my  abilities  to 
do  Justice  too  yet  I  feal  my  Self  so  intrested  in  the 
question  that  I  cannot  forbare  makeing  a  few  obser- 
vations thereon. 

For  that  those  countrys  may  always  be  retained 
within  the  goverment  of  the  United  States,  &  that  it 
will  be  our  intrest  they  Should  is,  at  prefent,  my 
desided  opinion  — 

that  they  may  be  retained  appears  to  me  evident 
from  the  following  consideration  viz  that  it  will  al- 
ways be  their  intrest  they  Should  remain  connected, 
now  Sir  if  I  can  prove  this :  I  concive  that  the 
proposition  that  they  may  be  retained  &c,  will  be 
fully  eftablished  ;  for  it  is  unreafonable  to  Suppose 
that  a  people  will  purfue  meafures  inconfistent  with 
their  intrest :  althoe  it  is  posable  they  may.  it  is 
true  that  Flour,  Hemp,  Tobacco,  Iron,  Pot-afh,  and 
Such  bulky  articles  will  go  down  the  Mifsifippi  to 
New  Orleans  for  Market,  and  be  their  Sold,  or  Shiped 
to  the  Atlantic  States  ;  Europe  &  the  West  Indies, 
and  it  is  alfo  admited  that  the  countrys  west  of  the 
mountains  and  lying  below  or  to  the  Southward  of 
the  Junction  of  the  Ohio  with  the  Mifsifippi ;  may 
Import  goods  from  New  Orleans  ;  and  therefore  it  is 
abfolutely  necefsary  that  the  people  of  the  Western 

1  Fisher  Ames,  Member  of  Congress  from  Massachusetts. 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        235 

Countn^  in  Some  way  or  other,  at  a  proper  period 
Should  be  pofsefsed  of  the  free  navagation  of  the  Mif- 
sifippi  river,  but  it  dos  not  follow  from  hence  that 
it  will  be  for  their  intrest  to  loose  their  connection 
with  the  Atlantic  States  but  the  contrary  will  appear 
if  we  consider  :  that  all  the  Beef,  Pork,  &  Mutton 
(from  a  very  Great  part  of  the  western  countr}')  will 
come  to  the  Seaports  of  Verginia,  Maryland  & 
Pennfylvania  to  market,  as  will  alfo  most  of  the  Furs 
Skins,  &c,  obtained  by  the  Indian  Trade  to  those 
places  &  New  York  much  more  to  the  advantage  of 
the  West  country  people  then  they  can  be  Sent  to 
New-orleans,  or  Quebeck 

Befides,  all  the  Goods  for  carrying  on  the  Indian 
Trade  as  well  as  Supplying  the  Inhabitants  even  to 
the  Kentucke  and  Wabafh  Country,  are,  at  prefe?tt, 
imported  into  that  country  from  Philidelphia,  Balti- 
more, Alexandria,  &c  &c  &c  much  cheaper  then  they 
can  be  obtained  from  New-orleans,  or  Quebeck. 
And  their  is  not  the  lest  doubt  but  when  the  navaga- 
tion of  the  Potowmack  is  compleated,  with  the  carry- 
ing place  to  the  Monongahala,  according  to  the  plan 
of  the  undertakers,  the  transport  of  goods,  into  the 
western  countr}^  will  be  lowered  fifty  per  Cent  —  and 
Should  other  communication  be  opened,  which  their 
is  no  doubt  but  their  will,  between  the  Susquehannah 
&  Allegheny  Rivers  —  James  River  and  the  Great 
Kenhawa  ;  the  expence  of  Transportation  will  be  re- 
duced Still  lower.  In  Short  from  the  Seaports  of  the 
United  States  :  to  Niagara  Detroit  &  even  to  the 
Lake  of  the  Woods  ;  goods  can  be  Supplyed  cheaper 
then  from  any  other  quarter  — 

From  this  Statement  of  facts  which  I  prefume  can 
never  be  disproved,  I  concive  it  fully  appears  to  be 
the  intrest  of  the  peopl  of  the  Western  country  to 


236        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

remain  a  part  of  the  United  States,  if  it  be  Said  they 
may  be  Seperated  and  yet  retain  all  the  advantages 
of  Trade  here  mentioned,  I  anfwer  that  is  pofable, 
but  by  no  means  probable  ;  for  (admit  the  Seperation 
was  not  hostile)  it  is  by  no  means  reafonable  to  Sup- 
pose that  the  Leglislature  of  the  United  States  would 
pay  the  Same  attention  to  the  Subjects  of  a  Foreign 
power  as  to  their  own  ;  nor  is  it  to  be  prefumed  that 
thofe  people  will  ever  Forget,  that  while  they  remain 
a  part  of  the  union,  they  will  have  their  voice  in  all 
the  councils  of  the  nation,  and  that  no  law  can  pafs 
but  what  must  effect  their  breathren  on  this  Side  the 
mountain  as  well  as  themfelves  to  be  deprived  of  a 
commerce  with  the  United  States  would  be  greatly 
to  the  injury  if  not  the  ruin  of  that  country,  and  to 
voluntarily  deny  themfelves  a  voice  in  the  regulation 
of  that  commerce  and  trust  them  Selves  (without  any 
check  or  controul)  in  the  hands  of  those  whose  in- 
trest  would  be  distinct  from  their  own,  is  a  folly  I 
trust  they  never  will  be  guilty  of  — 

But  it  may  be  said  their  are  advantages  to  be 
gained  which  will  over  ballance  all  this  lofs  —  pray 
let  us  attend  a  little  to  this  matter.  ?  will  they  put 
them  Selves  under  the  Vice-Roy  of  Canada  ?  what 
will  be  their  gain  here :  a  Leglislative  Council  of  the 
Kings  own  appointment ;  gives  law  to  the  province, 
except  that  the  whole  is  under  the  controul  of  a 
Military  Govenor.  a  few  by  permifion  from  Lord 
Dotchester,  or  Somebody  else,  may  cary  goods  into 
the  Indian  country,  but  the  returns  must  be  made 
to  Quebeck.  Surely  this  Goverment  can  never  Suit 
their  genus  nor  be  for  their  intrest —  Nor  is  the  ad- 
vantage to  be  derived  from  the  Spanish  Goverment 
much  better,  it  is  True  that  New-orleans  will  be  a 
great  Mart  for  their  produce,  but  it  is  very  doubtfull 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        237 

if  they  ware  Spanish  Subjects  whether  they  would 
enjoy  greater  previledges  then  they  might  without 
—  The  inhabitants  would  certainly  have  no  voice  in 
the  matter  but  must  be  Subject  to  the  will  of  a  Des- 
pot, they  could  expect  no  indulgence  but  what 
Should  comport  with  the  intrell  of  the  govenor  and 
Spanifh  Court  and  this  they  may  reafonably  expect 
even  Should  they  remain  a  part  of  the  United  States  : 
So  that  if  the  object  be  to  unite  them  with  Great  Brit- 
tain  or  Spain  I  See  northing  that  is  in  the  lest  degree 
worth  their  attention  — 

but  prehaps  the  Idea  is  that  they  Should  Set  up 
for  a  Seperate  independent  Goverment :  this  mag- 
got I  know  is  in  the  head  of  Some  people ;  therefore 
we  will  consider  of  it  a  little  and  See  if  we  can 
find  it  to  be  for  their  intrest :  and  for  argument  Sake 
we  will  Suppose  the  United  States  to  consent  to  all 
this,  we  will  fuppose  more,  that  they  Grant  a  free 
trade  to  the  Subjects  of  this  New  goverment ;  and 
then  pray  tell  me  what  they  will  be  bettered  for  it  — 
nay  ?will  they  not  be  in  a  much  worse  Situation 
?  will  they  not  incur  a  very  Great  expence  to  Support 
their  new  Goverment  beyond  what  their  propotion 
to  the  old  can  posably  be  :  and  ?  can  it  then  be  for 
their  intrest  to  be  Seperated. 

it  may  be  Said  they  want  a  free  trade  to  New  Or- 
leans and  thence  to  Sea,  that  while  they  remain  a 
part  of  the  United  States  this  is  not  likely  to  be  ob- 
tained, that  the  intrest  of  the  old  States  and  theirs  in 
this  refpect  is  inconsistent  with  each  other,  that  the 
object  is  first  to  Seperate  them  Selves  from  the  Union 
and  then  to  clear  the  river  of  the  Spaniards  —  this  I 
have  heard  is  the  language  of  Some  people  at  Ken- 
tucke :  but  ?  is  it  rational  ?  will  the  meafure  be  for 
their  intrest  and  if  not  for  their  intrest  are  we  to  Sup- 


238        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

pose  the  meafure  will  be  purfued  ?  have  thefe  people 
conlidered  that  the  United  States  are  deeply  intrested 
in  oppofeing  Such  Seperation  ?  have  they  confidered 
that  driveing  the  Spaniards  out  of  the  River  will  not 
give  them  a  free  Trade  to  Sea  ?  do  they  know  that 
the  Harbours  of  Penfacola  and  the  Havanna  are  So 
Situated  that  a  few  Crufers  from  them  Sent  into 
the  Bay  not  one  vesfel  in  a  thousand  going  from  or 
returning  to  the  Mifsisippi  would  efcape  falling  into 
their  hands,  no  Sir  So  far  would  Such  a  meafure 
be  from  giveing  them  a  free  trade  to  Sea  that  it  would 
put  an  end  to  their  prefent  market  and  all  reafonable 
prospects  of  a  compenfation  for  the  lofs  —  nor  do  I 
concive  that  the  intrest  of  the  atlantic  States  and  the 
western  country  as  it  refpects  the  Navagation  of 
the  Mifsisippi  by  any  means  clalh  —  For  if  it  is  for 
the  intrest  of  the  United  States  ;  that  Tobacco,  Flour 
Pot-afh,  Iron  &  lumber  of  all  kinds  with  Ships  ready 
built,  Should  be  Sent  to  Europe  and  the  West  Indies 
by  way  of  remittence  for  goods  obtained  from  thofe 
Countrys —  if  Hemp,  Flax,  Iron  and  many  other 
raw  meterials  be  of  any  use  to  be  brought  into  the 
Atlantic  States  for  the  purpos  of  manufacturing  — 
then  it  is  the  intrell  of  thofe  States  that  the  Nava- 
gation of  the  Mifsisippi  Should  be  free 

Thus  Sir  I  have  endevored  to  prove  that  it  is  and 
always  will  be  the  intrest  of  the  Western  country  to 
remain  a  part  of  the  United  States  —  I  do  not  deny 
but  what  Such  circumstances  may  exist,  as  Shall  not 
only  make  it  the  wifh  of  Sum  but  of  all  the  inhabit- 
ants of  that  country  to  be  Seperated  from  the  old 
States :  but  what  I  contend  for  is  that  thefe  circum- 
stances do  not  nor  ever  can  (if  I  may  be  alowed 
the  exprefsion)  exist  naturely.  I  alow  that  Should 
Congrefs  give  up  her  claim  to  the  navagation  of  the 


OFFICIAL  CORRESPONDENCE        239 

Mifiisippi  or  Ceed  it  to  the  Spaniards,  I  beleve  the 
people  in  the  Western  quarter  would  Seperate  them 
Selves  from  the  United  States  very  Soon.  Such  a 
meafure  I  have  no  doubt  would  excite  So  much  rage 
and  disafection  that  the  people  would  Sooner  put 
themfelves  under  the  despotic  goverment  of  Spain 
then  remain  the  indented  Servents  of  Congrefs  —  or 
Should  Congrefs  by  any  means  fail  to  give  the  in- 
habitants of  that  country  Such  protection  as  their 
prefent  Infant  State  requires,  connected  with  the  in- 
trest  and  dignity  of  the  United  States,  in  that  cafe 
Such  events  may  take  place  as  will  oblige  the  inhabit- 
ents  of  that  country  to  put  themfelves  under  the  pro- 
tection of  Great  Brittain  or  Spain  :  and  I  know  alfo 
that  in  every  country  their  are  ambitious  minds  who 
paying  more  attention  to  the  emoluments  of  office 
then  the  public  good,  may  Influence  people  to  purfue, 
as  the  object  of  their  hapinefs,  meafures  which  will 
end  in  their  ruin  but  thefe  things  make  northing 
against  my  proposition,  for  we  are  not  to  Suppose  that 
Congrefs  will  do  wrong  where  it  is  their  intrest  to  do 
right,  and  this  brings  me  to  enquire  of  what  ufe  those 
countr}^s  may  be  to  the  United  States,  and  first  the 
lands  of  the  Western  Teritory  and  which  are  the  pro- 
perty of  the  United  States,  except  what  claim  the 
natives  have  to  them  amount  at  left  to  —  169,600,000, 
acres  out  of  which  must  be  referved  for  future  Sale 
14,133,333,  acres  agreably  to  the  ordinance  of  the 
late  Congrefs,  then  155,466,667  acres  remain  for 
Sale  now  Suppose  this  Sold  at  half  a  Dollar  per  acre 
(which  is  ^  of  a  Dollar  below  what  any  has  ben  Sold 
for  as  yet)  and  it  amounts  to  77,733,333-5  Dollars, 
but  it  may  be  Said  this  is  the  price  in  Public  Securities, 
and  that  the  lands  will  not  fetch  more  then  a  quarter 
that  Sum  in  hard  money,    be  it  So,  and  then  the  neat 


240        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

proceeds  will  amount  to  19,433333.7  [sic]  Dollars, 
this  Sir  is  no  trifeling  Som  but  is  by  no  means  the 
Greatest  advantage  to  be  derived  from  thofe  lands, 
three  lots  of  one  mile  Square  is  (by  the  ordinance 
of  the  Late  Congrefs)  referved  in  each  Township  for 
the  future  Disposition  of  Goverment  and  the  Local 
Situation  of  thefe  lots  are  such  as  to  command  a  high 
price,  and  at  the  end  of  half  a  Century  (in  which  time 
they  are  to  cost  the  goverment  northing)  it  is  a  very 
moderate  calculation  to  rate  them  at  four  Dollars 
the  acre  in  Specie  and  then  their  amount  will  be 
56,533,332,  dollars  a  Sum  Sufficient  to  build  and 
equip  a  Fleet  Superiour  to  that  any  nation  in  Eu- 
rope —  we  have  before  hinted  that  the  produce  of 
the  Western  country  will  afford  a  Great  Source  of 
remittence  for  European  &  West  India  Goods,  and 
in  a  very  few  years  that  country  will  be  able  to  Sup- 
ply the  Atlantic  States  with  Such  abundence  of  the 
raw  meterials  for  makeing  Duck  and  Cordage  as 
will  prevent  all  necefsity  of  Sending  abroad  for  thofe 

the  perticuler  advantage  to  be  derived  from  the 
paltry  Trade  I  am  not  able  to  afsertain,  however, 
this  we  know  that  it  is  confidered  as  a  very  Lucra- 
tive bufmefs,  that  it  affords  meterials  for  manufato- 
ries,  much  to  the  advantage  of  the  Englilh  Subject, 
and  the  advantage  this  trade  must  be  to  us  would 
undoubtedly  exceed  what  it  is  or  can  be  to  them  — 
in  the  year  1773  I  heard  M''  Chester,  then  Govenor 
of  Weft  Florida,  Say  that  from  the  duty  paid  in 
London,  on  the  American  Peltry  it  appeared,  the 
Indian  paid  a  Tax  to  the  king  of  two  Shiling  Ster- 
ling on  each  poll,  includeing  men  women  and  chil- 
dren, and  why  a  revenue  might  not  be  derived  to 
the  United  Stats  from  this  quarter  I  know  not  — 

again  while  thofe  countrys  remain  a  part  of  the 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        241 

United  States  they  will  pay  the  Same  dutys  on  all 
imported  goods  which  they  confume  as  the  other 
Subjects  of  the  Union,  which  in  cafe  of  a  Seperation 
would  be  totally  lost,  and  the  Same  obfervation  ap- 
plys  equelly  to  all  Goods  furnished  for  the  Indian 
Trade  —  at  prefent  this  revenu  may  not  exceed 
20,000  Dollars  but  in  the  Course  of  half  a  Century 
if  we  only  Suppose  the  number  of  inhabitants  to  be 
one  Million  &  the  goods  they  Shall  confume,  to  be  at 
the  rate  only  of  three  dollars  and  one  third  per  per- 
son (which  is  a  very  moderate  allowance  for  an  anuel 
confumtion)  this  only  at  five  per  Cent,  will  amount 
to  166,500,  dollars  pr  annum 

I  am  Sencible  their  will  be  Some  expence  attend- 
ing this  bufmefs  for  the  Indian  Treaties  &  prefents 
we  will  alow  20,000  dollars  a  year,  for  fifty  year, 
which  will  amount  to  no  more  than  one  Million  of 
Dollars,  and  we  will  allow  three  regiments  of  Infentry 
and  an  Artillery  core  equel  to  a  regiment  of  Infentry 
in  expence  and  to  this  we  will  ad  a  Core  of  Horfe  of 
like  expence.  then  we  Shall  have  the  anual  expence 
of  five  Regiments  and  we  will  alow  the  pay  victual- 
ling and  cloathing  of  each  Regiment  to  anually 
Cost  one  hundred  thousand  Dollars,  then  the  anual 
expence  of  the  whole  will  be  half  a  million  of  Dol- 
lars, this  Sir  is  makeing  a  very  extravagant  charge 
againft  that  country  for  its  protection,  yet  when  we 
take  into  confideration  the  value  of  the  lands  when 
Sold,  the  products  of  the  Country  for  remittence 
and  manufactorys,  the  Peltry  trade  &c  with  the  duty 
on  imported  goods,  Sent  into  that  countr}'  for  the 
Indian  trade  and  the  confumption  of  its  inhabitants, 
the  Ballance  in  favor  of  retaining  that  teritory  as  a 
part  of  the  United  States  appears  evident  to  be  very 
great — But  their  is  another  point  of  light  in  which 


242        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

we  ought  to  consider  this  matter,  for  if  we  would 
know  the  real  advantages  that  country  must  be  to 
this,  remaining  United,  we  ought  to  consider  what 
probable  mifschefs  will  enfue  by  a  Disunion :  and 
among  thefe  may  be  reconed  the  lofs  of  more  then 
Seventy  five  million  of  Dollars  in  the  Sale  of  lands, 
an  annual  revennue  of  more  then  one  hundred  & 
Sixty  thousand  Dollars  on  european,  &  west  India 
Goods,  with  all  the  advantages  that  can  posably 
arrife  from  the  Peltry  trade  And  what  is  matter  of 
Serious  consideration,  it  is  more  then  probable  (in 
cafe  of  a  Seperation  from  the  United  States)  that 
country  would  be  divided  between  Great  Brittain 
and  Spain,  for  I  can  See  no  reafon  to  Suppose  they 
will  maintain  a  Seperate  existence,  and  then  I  Sup- 
pose the  western  boundary  of  the  United  States  must 
be  the  Allegheny  mountains ;  a  miferable  Frontier 
this  (and  yet  the  best  to  be  found  if  we  give  up  the 
Western  country)  that  will  require  more  expence  to 
Guarde,  then  the  protection  of  all  the  western  Teri- 
tory  —  The  natural  boundaries  of  the  Great  Lakes 
and  the  Mifsilippi  River  aded  to  the  inhabitants  of 
the  Western  quarter  will  give  Such  Strenght  and 
Security  to  the  old  States  if  properly  attended  too, 
as  they  must,  most  Sensiably  feal  the  want  of  in  cafe 
of  a  Seperation  — 

But  I  have  no  doubt,  but  you  Sir  and  all  the  mem- 
bers of  Congrefs,  will  give  the  Subject  a  full  exami- 
nation, and  ditermin  on  Such  meafures  as  will  most 
promote  the  General  good  of  the  nation,  and  in  that 
cafe  I  think  one  might  reafonably  hope,  Soon  to  See 
the  forces  of  the  United  States  in  the  western  coun- 
try So  increased  in  numbers  that,  if  the  British  pofls 
are  not  given  up,  yet  Such  eftablishments  may  be 
made  in  the  Indian  country  as  to  bring  the  natives 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        243 

who  at  present  remain  hostile,  to  Submision  And 
protect  the  Nations  who  are  well  disposed  towards 
us,  not  only  from  their  Savage  Breethren  who  are  So 
much  under  Britilh  influence,  but  alfo  from  the  peo- 
ple on  the  Frontiers  of  Pennfylvania  &  Virginnia, 
too  many  of  whome  reguard  not  the  authorety  of  their 
own  States,  nor  yet  of  Congrefs,  more  then  the  Sav- 
ages themfelves  —  In  this  place  Sir,  I  will  take  the 
liberty  to  inform  you  that  in  the  year  1 783  a  petition 
was  prefented  to  the  then  congrefs  praying  for  a  grant 
of  lands  in  the  western  quarter ;  that  the  utility  and 
policy  of  eftablifhing  Posts  and  forming  Settlements 
that  Should  extend  from  the  Ohio  to  Lake  Erie  was 
clearly  pointed  out  in  a  letter  from  the  Commander 
in  Cheif,  and  other  papers  accompaning  Said  peti- 
tion, and  which  I  prefume  are  now  among  the  files 
of  the  late  Congrefs,  which  I  wiih  you  to  confult  at 
your  leafure.  Beging  leve  at  this  time  to  add,  that  I 
concive  the  more  this  Subject  is  examined  the  greater 
will  appear  the  confequence  that  it  Should  be  effected 
as  Soon  as  practicable :  for  from  Lake  Erie,  by  a 
very  eafie  navagation,  and  Short  portages,  an  army 
may  decend  by  the  Allegheny,  Muskingum,  Sioto, 
Big  Miami,  or  the  Wabash  Rivers  into  any  part  of 
the  Ohio  Country,  and  So  from  Lake  Erie  as  from  a 
common  center  fall  on  any  part  of  the  Ohio  Country, 
extending  more  then  one  thousand  miles  in  length 
on  that  river,  and  thus  the  whole  western  Teritor}'^  is 
liable  to  be  loft  by  Surprize,  while  on  the  other  hand 
was  their  posts  eftablifhed  on,  or  neer.  Lake  Erie, 
even  thoe  we  ware  not  in  pofsestion  of  Detroit  or 
Niagara,  the  natives  disposed  to  peace  would  be 
protected,  their  numbers  and  attachment  increesed, 
the  Indian  Trade  greatly  augmented,  and  that  coun- 
try Soon  filled  with  inhabitents  in  Such  maner  that 


244        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

every  reafonable  fear  of  loofeing  it  in  cafe  of  a  war 
with  Great  Brittain  would  be  for  ever  Banifhed  — 

was  this  protection  given  we  might  reafonably 
hope  to  See  So  numerous  a  body  of  well  informed 
and  well  disposed  Citizens  placeing  themfelves  in 
that  quarter  as  would  be  able  to  counteract  all  the 
meafures  which  any  might  attempt  toward  a  Sepera- 
tion  from  the  old  States —  And  if  this  protection  is 
Given  ?  might  we  not  alfo  hope  from  the  lands  al- 
ready Granted  for  a  University,  and  others  appropri- 
ated for  the  Support  of  Schools  in  General,  with  Some 
further  provisions  of  little  expence,  I  Say  might  we 
not  hope,  Soo7i  to  See  Such  means  of  education  Set 
on  foot  as  will  have  a  most  favorable  afpect  on  the 
maners  of  the  people  in  that  country,  and  remove 
the  danger  that  in  a  State  of  Ignorence  with  the  art 
of  defigning  men  they  will  always  be  under  to  mifs- 
take  their  true  intrest  — 

if  Sir  the  Western  country  is  to  be  retained  as  a 
part  of  the  United  States,  I  concive  the  Immediate 
protection  and  peopeling  of  that  tract  between  the 
ohio  and  lake  Erie  has  a  Direct  Tendency  and  is  the 
first  link  in  the  chain  of  arrangments  towards  com- 
pafsingthe  Great  object,  and  if  neglected  may  prove 
an  infinite  mifschief  to  the  United  States  :  for  it  was 
in  full  confidence  that  Such  protection  would  be 
aforded  that  the  ohio,  Sioto  and  other  companys 
have  contracted  for  lands  to  a  very  great  amount. 
Now  Sir  unlefs  this  protection  is  given  thefe  con- 
tracts must  all  fail  (to  the  lofs  of  many  Million  of  dol- 
lars to  the  United  States)  y2?r  of  what  value  are  lands 
without  inhabitants^  and  who  will  wifh  to  inhabit  a 
country  where  no  reasonable  protection  is  aforded  — 

Another  circumflance  which  renders  the  present 
moment  importent,  in  point  of  giveing  that  diflrict 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        245 

protection,  Is,  the  people  Settling  at  Muskingum  & 
the  Miami,  not  haveing  thofe  prejudices  against  the 
Natives  which  commonly  arife  from  long  wars  with 
them,  are  lead  into  Such  a  line  of  conduct  towards 
them,  under  the  wise  management  of  Govenor  St 
Clare  and  other  principle  carractors,  as  gives  the 
fairest  prospect  of  peace  and  tranquilety  to  the  fron- 
tiers in  general,  if  Such  military  force  is  eflablifhed 
as  Shall  make  the  goverment  of  the  united  States  in 
the  Western  teritory  a  terror  to  evil  doers,  and  a 
protection  to  Such  as  Shall  do  well.  — 

I  have  already  exceeded  the  common  bounds  of 
a  letter  but  their  is  one  circumllance,  I»cannot  for- 
bare  mentioning  which  is  the  opposition  that  many 
New-England  people  and  perticulerly  in  Mafsachu- 
setts,  exprefs  against  the  Settlement  of  the  Western 
country,  efpecially  by  their  own  inhabitants  remove- 
ing  thither,  this  oppofition  I  prefume  arifes  cheifly 
from  two  Sources,  viz.  the  drawing  off  her  inhab- 
itants and  preventing  the  Settlement  of  her  eastern 
lands 

as  to  the  first  I  concive  it  will  make  no  meterial 
odds  for  if  they  do  not  remove  to  the  ohio  they  will 
emigrate  to  New  york,  or  Vermont  —  while  their  is 
any  vacant  lands  to  be  come  at  the  population  in  the 
cultivated  part  of  the  country  will  remain  neerly  the 
Same.  I  beleve  in  old  Mafsachusetts  the  number  of 
pools  has  varied  very  little  this  many  years,  and  the 
reafon  is  obvious  for  within  that  tract  their  is  no 
room  for  new  Settlements  of  any  confequence.  And 
as  to  the  eastern  country  it  is  a  very  fine  place  for 
lumber,  and  in  that  refpect  is  of  great  Service  to 
Mafsachusetts  :  but  any  confiderable  number  of  peo- 
ple more  in  that  district  then  to  cary  on  this  businefs 
will  be  a  diservice  distroying  the  timber  which  ought 


246        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

to  be  preferved that  country  in  General  is  not 

fit  for  cultivation  and  when  this  idea  is  connected 
with  the  climate,  a  man  ought  to  conlider  himfelf 
curst  even  in  this  world  who  is  doomed  to  inhabit 
their  as  a  cultivater  of  the  lands  only ;  however  I 
cannot  Suppose  the  ohio  cuntry  will  much  aflect  the 
Settlement  of  the  eastern  lands  because  those  people 
who  have  not  a  double  curfe  entailed  to  them  will  go 
to  New  york  or  Vermont,  rather  then  to  the  east- 
ward— 

Mafsachusetts  Sir  is  in  no  danger  of  being  depopu- 
lated for  the  ohio  country,  nor  even  heaven  it  Self, 
will  not  invite  them  in  Such  multitudes  as  to  lefsen 
her  present  numbers  nor  on  the  other  hand  will  any 
policy  prevent  the  emigration  of  her  inhabitants  in 
Such  Swarms,  as  that  her  numbers  Shall  not  greatly 
increfe  while  their  are  vacant  lands  in  any  quarter 
to  be  had  —  And  to  what  country  can  the  inhabit- 
ants of  the  Mafsachusetts  emigrage  So  much  to  her 
advantage  as  the  ohio  ?  is  it  not  for  the  intrest  of 
New-england  that  the  western  country  Should  in 
their,  maners,  morrals,  relegion,  and  policy,  take  the 
eastern  States  for  their  modle  ?  is  the  Genus  educa- 
tion, &c,  of  any  people  So  favorable  to  republican 
Goverment  as  theirs;  and  Should  they  not  then  by 
throwing  in  of  their  Citizens  endevor  to  take  the 
lead,  and  give  a  tone  to  the  New  States  forming  in 
the  western  quarter  — 

Befides  the  products  of  the  ohio  Country  will  inter- 
fere much  lefs,  or  rather  they  will  be  of  more  utility 
to  Mafsachusetts  then  to  any  other  of  the  atlantic 
States,  Tobacco,  flour,  hemp,  flax,  rice  &  Indego  be- 
ing the  chief  articles  for  exportation,  nither  of  which 
are  raised  in  Mafsachusetts  in  any  confiderable  quan- 
tety  ;  but  when  the  navagation  of  the  Mifsisippi  Shall 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        247 

become  free  will  all  find  their  way  to  the  Seaports  of 
that  State  and  much  to  the  advantage  of  her  citizens 
who  Shall  be  concerned  in  the  Trade  — 

I  have  only  to  add,  that  however  inaccurate  this 
addrefs  may  appear,  yet  none  will  deny  but  the  Sub- 
ject is  importent  —  and  I  pray  god  it  may  have  a 
full  and  candid   enquiery  by  all   concerned  in  the 

councils  of  the  Nation 

I  have  the  honour  to  be  Sir,  with 
much  efteam  your  humble 
Servent 

Marietta  Jany  6'^  1 791  1 
Dear  Sir 

Our  profpects  are  much  changed,  in  flead  of  peace 
and  friendlhip  with  our  Indian  neighbours  a  hored 
Savage  war  Stairs  us  in  the  face  the  Indians  in  Head 
of  being  humbled  by  the  Deftruction  of  the  Shawone 
Towns  &  brought  to  beg  for  peace,  appear  ditermined 
on  a  general  War,  in  which  our  Settlements  are  al- 
ready involved,  on  the  evening  of  the  2^  inllent  they 
fell  on  a  new  Settlement  about  40  mile  up  the  Mus- 
kingum, Surprized  a  Blockhouse  killed  14  perfons  & 
carryed  of  three  others,  the  perfons  killed  are  John 
&  Philip  Stacy,  Sons  of  Col°  W"  Stacy  from  New 
Salem  —  Ezra  Putnam  Son  of  Major  Ezra  Putnam 
from  Midletown  in  Mafsachusetts.  John  Camp  from 
the  Same  place.  Jonathan  Farewell  &  one  Couch 
&  Patten  from  N  Hamfhire  Zebulon  Troop  from 
Barre.  W"^  James,  from  Connecticut  Jofeph  Clark 
from  Rhode  Island,  a  man  by  the  name  of  Meeks 
with  his  wife  &  2  children  from  Virginia,    thefe  ware 

1  This  letter  bears  no  endorsement ;  it  was  written  by  General  Putnam, 
possibly  to  the  Secretary  of  War  or  to  the  Hon.  Fisher  Ames.  Consist- 
ent replies  from  them  will  be  found  on  pages  249  and  250. 


248        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

all  killed  in  &  at  the  Blockhoufe  —  Frances  &  Ifaac 
Choate  from  Leicester  and  one  Shaw  who  kept  at  a 
hutt  about  50  rod  from  the  Blockhoufe,  ware  not  found 
by  the  party  who  went  out  and  it  is  hoped  that  they 
are  prifoner.  what  number  of  Indians  ware  concerned 
in  this  mifchief  or  from  what  tribes  we  know  not,  but 
from  thofe  Indians  who  till  lately  ufed  to  vifit  our 
Settlements  every  day  :  withdrawing  themfelves  in- 
tirly  from  our  Sight  ever  sence  the  expidition  against 
the  Shawones  their  is  little  reafon  to  doubt  but  the 
Dellewares  &  Windots  as  well  as  othrs  have  had  a 
hand  in  the  bufnefs 

it  is  impofsable  for  me  to  give  you  a  Just  Idea  of 
the  diftrefs  into  which  this  event  has  trown  the  in- 
habitants efpecially  thofe  of  the  out  Settlements  — 
for  my  own  part  I  have  for  Sometime  ben  of  the 
opinon  that  the  Spring  would  open  with  a  general 
attack  on  the  frontier  in  which  event  I  did  not  expect 
we  Should  efcape  unlefs  Goverment  Should  timely 
Send  Troops  for  our  protection,  which  I  was  in  hopes 
would  be  the  cafe,  but  it  Seems  the  enimy  are  diter- 
mined  to  take  advantage  of  our  defencelefs  Situa- 
tion and  to  wreak  their  vengence  on  the  Inhabitants 
before  any  Succour  can  be  had —  I  consider  this 
event  as  a  foreruner  of  other  attacks  of  a  more  Seri- 
ous nature  &  which  may  involve  us  in  complet  ruen, 
unlefs  prevented  by  Goverment  imediately  takeing 
meafures  for  our  protection,  to  their  protection  I 
conceve  we  always  had  an  Indupitable  claim  which 
claim,  if  pofsable,  is  increasd  by  the  circumflances 
that  has  brought  us  under  the  refentment  of  the  In- 
dians and  at  lest  in  Some  meafure  produced  the 
Mifschief  that  we  are  fallen  in  into,  in  the  first  place 
we  purchased  our  lands  under  an  Idea  that  they  had 
ben  fairly  obtained  from  the  natives,  for  govermnt 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        249 

told  us  So  by  their  public  acts,  this  however  the 
Indians  on  our  arrivel  in  the  country  told  us  was 
not  true,  and  if  the  treaties  made  with  them  prior  to 
our  coming  are  confulted  I  beleve  it  will  appear  the 
Indians  are  right  —  and  that  the  lands  ware  rather 
wrefted  then  fairly  purchased  from  them  at  lest  the 
Indians  confidered  it  in  this  light  —  the  Treaty  made 
by  Govenor  S*  Clair  at  Fort  Harmer  wares  a  Differ- 
ent face  and  by  it  the  bufnefs  Seems  pritty  well 
patched  up  &  I  had  hope  that  we  Should  have  had 
little  or  no  trouble  with  them  on  that  ace*  not  with- 
ftanding  that  Some  of  their  chiefs  discovered  that 
they  ware  not  very  well  Satisfied  —  &  that  Several 
Chiefs  among  the  tribes  who  treated  with  Govenor 
S*  Clair  ware  not  prefent  and  never  confented  to 
what  was  don 


War-department,  Jany  27th  1791 
Sir. 

I  have  received  your  letter  of  the  8'th  inllant.  I  de- 
plore the  unhappy  fate  of  the  perfons  who  fell  victims  to 
lavage  barbarity  on  the  2'nd  infltant. — I  fmcerely  hope 
and  believe  that  government  will  as  foon  as  pofsible 
take  effectual  meafures  to  prevent  a  repetition  of  In- 
dian depredations  by  making  a  powerful  inroad  into 
their  country,  and  eflablishing  flrong  polls  there. 

Major  Sargent  will  fet  out  for  Muskingum  in  a  day 
or  two  who  will  be  able  to  inform  you  generally  of 
the  impulfe  of  the  public  mind  on  the  fubject  of  the 
late  expedition. 

I  am  Sir, 
with  great  refpect, 
Your  moll  obd*  Serv* 

H  Knox 
General  RUFUS  Putnam  — 


250        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 


LETTER   FROM    M"  AMES 


Philada  Feb>y  22.  1791 
Dear  Sir 

It  was  impofsible  to  read  your  letter  giving  an  ace* 
of  the  attack  of  the  Savages  on  the  Settlement  at  Big 
Bottom  without  feeling  a  strong  Sympathy  with  you 
under  the  peculiar  distrefses  of  your  Situation.  How- 
ever your  fears  may  have  interpreted  the  sense  of  the 
country  tow^^  you,  I  am  happy  to  perceive  that  they 
are  not  indisposed  to  giving  you  effectual  protection, 
tho  it  will  cost  money.  That  circumstance  too  often 
throws  cold  water  on  the  natural  emotions  of  the 
public  tow^^  their  distrefsed  brethren.  I  am  happy  to 
learn  by  Governor  Sinclair  that  the  last  intelligence 
from  Marietta  &c  left  all  quiet  there  Inured  as  you 
have  been  to  war  and  danger,  I  think  your  late  alarms 
must  have  exposed  your  fortitude  to  it's  severest 
trials.  I  wish  they  may  not  be  repeated.  You  know 
that  my  opinion  of  the  proper  policy  of  Congrefs  is, 
to  manifest  a  fixed  resolution  to  protect  the  most  re- 
mote parts  of  the  union  —  to  nurse  the  weak  and  to 
console  the  suffering  remote  settlements  with  a  degree 
of  tender  solicitude  proportioned  to  their  defencelefs 
condition  —  Congrefs  has  little  occasion  to  make  it- 
self known  to  them  except  by  acts  of  protection.  The 
most  succefsful  way  to  banish  the  ruinous  idea  of 
the  future  independency  of  the  western  country  is,  by 
doing  good  to  the  settlers,  to  gain  their  hearts.  Our 
Sun  will  set  when  the  Union  shall  be  divided.  But 
it  is  not  necefsary  to  notice  the  idea  any  further.  The 
Meafures  of  the  present  Sefsion  of  Congrefs,  I  think, 
will  satisfy  you  that  because  you  are  remote  you 
are  not  forgotten  &  will  not  be  abandoned  to  the 


OFFICIAL  CORRESPONDENCE        251 

Savages.  I  inclose  a  Letter  to  my  old  fchoolfellow  & 
townsman,  Mr  Battelle,  will  you  please  convey  it  to 
him  — 

Please  to  accept  my  sincere  wishes 
for  your  health  &  prosperity  — 

I  am,  dear  Sir,  with  respect  &c 
your  very  hble  ferv* 

Fisher  Ames 
Major  General  PUTNAM 

COPY   OF   A  LETTER   TO   GEN''    KNOX 

Marietta  March  ye  8th  1791 
Sir 

I  am  much  obliged  to  you  for  your  letter  of  the 
27*^  of  January  last,^  Soon  after  the  afair  at  the  Big 
Bottom  Several  Wyndot  &  Delleware  men  &  women 
at  diflEerent  times  came  in  to  trade  at  this  place,  we 
treeted  them  with  a  little  more  caution,  but  in  the 
Same  frindly  way  as  heretofore  none  of  them,  as  they 
Said,  had  Seen  the  party  who  did  the  mifschif,  except 
one  who  Said  he  met  the  party  going  in  to  Sandusky, 
that  they  consisted  of  about  thirty  ;  ware  mostly  Min- 
gos  &  had  5  prifoners  —  a  few  days  after  thefe  peo- 
ple left  us  a  Soldier  was  taken  within  a  few  rods  of 
Fort  Harmer  but  had  the  good  fortune  to  make  his 
efcape  the  first  night  and  the  next  day  to  git  into 
Belleprie  the  following  night  prehaps  the  Same  In- 
dians Visited  a  number  of  Deferted  houfes  in  that 
Settlement  and  kiled  a  Sheep  &  two  hogs  for  Major 
Goodale  about  ten  days  ago  one  man  was  killed 
&  another  wounded  on  the  Virginnia  Side  about  60 
mile  down  the  ohio  all  the  Indians  who  have  ben 
in  to  trade  told  us  that  there  was  a  great  many 

^  Page  249. 


252        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

Indians  going  to  War  and  that  in  a  Short  time  we 
might  expect  a  large  body  of  them  to  attack  this  place 
but  they  would  not  own  that  the  Wyndots  and  Delia- 
wares  had  taken  up  the  Hatchet :  however  this  matter 
is  now  afsertained  — 

on  Saturday  last  John  Miller  arrived  at  our  post  up 
the  Muskingum  from  Sandusky  he  is  an  Indian  lad 
who  came  to  this  place  with  Gen'  Varnum,  and  a  very 
honest  fellow,  he  went  into  the  Indian  Country  last 
September  or  October  with  Doctor  Burns  or  Burrell 
(as  he  called  him  felf  while  here)  an  Indian  who  has 
it  Seems  recived  an  Education  in  England  or  Scot- 
land, the  Substance  of  Millers  account  is  this,  that 
he  found  Burns  to  be  a  great  Rogue  that  he  had  ben 
ufeing  every  means  in  his  power  to  excite  the  Indins 
about  Sandusky  and  the  Tawa  River  to  war  and  was 
now  gon  westward  for  the  Same  purpus  that  a  num- 
ber of  Small  partys  were  gon  out  already  that  a  grate 
many  Warriours  from  different  tribes  ware  collected 
at  Sandusky,  that  the  Wyndots  &  Dellewars  were 
going  [?]  for  war  and  gave  out  that  as  Soon  as  the 
Water  fell  and  Grass  grew  for  their  horfes  they  would 
go  against  the  yankeys  with  two  or  three  thousand 
men.  that  in  ordor  to  Save  his  life  and  facilitate  his 
efcape  he  Joyned  a  War  party  of  fourteen  (formerly 
our  perticuler  acquaintanc)  bound  to  the  Muskingum 
Settlements  that  three  days  before  he  came  in  to  our 
post  being  verry  lame  he  was  left  to  take  care  of  their 
hevy  lugage,  that  finding  the  way  Clear  he  made  a 
raft  and  came  down  the  Muskingum  —  by  this  fortu- 
nate efcape  &  information  of  honest  John  I  think  all 
uncertainty  with  relpect  the  intentions  of  the  Wyn- 
dots &  Dellawares  as  well  as  the  General  views  of  the 
Savages  is  removed  —  our  Inhabitants  are  nearly  all 
Ported  in  which  State  we  expect  to  remain  till  we  are 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        253 

dislodged  by  the  Enimy  —  wich  god  forbid  Should 
be  the  cafe  or  releved  by  the  Troops  of  goverment 
which  I  pray  god  may  be  as  Soon  as  pofiable 

COPY   OF   A   LETTER   TO   GEN''    KNOX 

Marietta  March  14th  1701 
Sir 

My  last  letter  was  of  the  8*^  infhent  ^  on  the  morn- 
ing of  the  11*^'^  the  Indians  fired  on  two  lads  neer  L* 
Grays  post  (20  mile  up  the  Muskingum)  one  of  which 
is  badly  Wounded.  25  of  the  Enemy  appeared  in 
view  &  in  an  infulting  maner  invited  the  people  to 
come  out  and  fight  them  —  they  killed  1 1  Cattle  and 
drove  off  as  many  more  —  the  Same  morning  two 
men  ware  fired  on  neer  the  post  at  Belleprie  but  they 
made  their  efcape  unhurt  —  yesterday  evening  as 
Capt  Rogers  &  M""  Henderson  (two  perfons  employed 
as  Spyes  for  this  Town)  ware  returning  from  a  Tour 
in  the  woods  about  one  mile  from  Campus  Martins 
they  ware  fired  on  by  two  Indians  —  Rogers  was 
killed  and  a  Ball  went  through  Hendersons  Shirt  and 
graized  his  groin,  two  other  Indians  fired  on  him  as 
he  run  of  and  in  his  way  in  he  met  with  four  others 
but  he  happily  made  his  efcape  from  them  all  —  we 
are  takeing  every  meafure  in  our  power  for  a  Viger- 
ous  defence  but  I  fear  our  Cattle  will  be  all  killed  or 
Driven  off  for  we  are  too  week  to  detach  parties  to 
oppofe  them  out  of  our  works  efpecially  as  we  can 
never  afsertain  their  numbers  ;  have  all  the  Reafon 
in  the  world  to  fear  a  Decoy  and  ambufcade  and  the 
lofs  of  a  Small  party  from  any  of  our  posts  would  ex- 
pofe  the  place  to  almost  certain  deflruction.  you  will 
redily  percive  that  our  Situation  with  refpect  to  carry- 
ing on  our  farming  bufmefs  is  little  better  then  if  we 

^  Page  251. 


254        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

ware  clofely  Befeaged  nor  can  it  be  better  till  the  gov- 
erment  Shall  releve  us,  which  we  flatter  our  Selves 
will  be  Soon,  by  Detachments  pufhed  forard  for  our 
Imediate  protection  till  Such  times  as  the  general  op- 
peration  of  your  army  Shall  take  place 

PS  If  in  the  ellablifhment  for  the  army  Chaplins 
are  intended  I  beg  leve  to  recommend  M*"  Daniel 
Story,  now  refident  with  us,  as  a  worthy  Carractor, 
and  very  delirous  to  make  the  Campaign 

LETTER    FROM    THE   SEC^    OF   WAR 

War  Department  March  24,  1791 
Sir 

I  have  juH  received  your  efleemed  favor  of  the  8^ 
inllant.^ 

The  information  contained  in  your  letter  flrongly 
indicates  the  hoflile  difpofition  of  the  weftern  Indians, 
and  the  intrigues  of  bad  men  may  make  the  war 
general. 

The  recent  murder  of  fome  friendly  Indians  at  the 
block  houfe  on  Beaver  Creek,  is  a  circumflance  which 
merits  rigid  enquiry.  Such  actions  tend  to  involve 
all  things  into  confulion  and  leaves  nothing  to  be  ex- 
pected but  a  general  Indian  War —  Major  General 
S*  Clair  who  is  charged  with  the  cheif  command  upon 
the  frontiers  fat  out  from  this  City  yefherday  for  Fort 
Pitt.  But  the  roads  being  bad  may  prevent  his  arri- 
val before  this  poft  — 

He  will  inform  you  of  the  extenfive  arrangements 
directed  for  the  operations  of  the  Campaign,  and  it 

1  Page  251. 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        255 

is  devoutly  to  be  hoped  they  will  be  effectual  and 
produce  the  defired  effect  peace 

I  am  Sir 

with  fentiments  of 
great  refpect  your 
moft  Obedient 
Servant 

H  Knox. 

RuFUs  Putnam 

one  of  the  Judges  of  the  territory  of  the  U  S 

North  West  of  the  Ohio  — 

[from  the  secretary  of  war] 

War  Department, 

7th  April  1 79 1 
Sir, 

Your  letter  of  the  14*^  of  last  month  ^  has  been  just 
received.  —  The  accounts  you  give  of  the  apprehen- 
fions  and  dangers  of  the  fettlements,  in  the  vicinity 
of  Marietta,  is  jusdy  alarming.  — 

If  anything  can  be  added  to  the  efficacy  of  my 
letter  of  the  lo^''  instant,  authorizing  Major  Sargent 
to  call  forth  as  many  of  the  militia  for  the  defence 
of  the  fettlements,  as  the  occafion  might  require  ;  — 
Major  General  S*  Clair,  who  must  be  on  the  frontiers, 
has  ample  powers  for  the  purpose  — 

The  Levies  and  regular  troops  are  raising  but  I  do 
not  believe  many  of  them  will  be  on  the  frontiers, 
until  the  beginning  of  the  next  month — any  rein- 

1  Page  253. 


256        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

forcements  which  you  may  require,  must  be  derived 

from  the  MiUtia 

I  am,  Sir, 

With  great  Respect, 
Your  Obed*  Serv* 

H.  Knox 
Secy  of  War 
Judge  RuFus  Putnam. 

COPY    OF    A    LETTER   TO   GEN''   KNOX 

Marietta  August  22d  1791 
Dear  Sir 

I  embrace  the  prefent  oppertunity  to  thank  you  for 
your  letters  of  the  24*^  of  March  &  7th  of  April  lafl :  ^ 
&  I  alfo  thank  God  that  notwithllanding  we  have 
had  no  afsistance  but  from  our  own  people  till  the 
midle  of  July,  and  the  Indians  in  Small  parties  con- 
tinually harrafsing  of  us,  yet  Sence  the  death  of 
Cap*  Rogers  we  have  lost  but  one  man  killed  &  one 
taken  prifoner  —  we  have  lost  a  number  of  horfes 
and  upwards  of  fifty  head  of  Cattle,  on  our  part  we 
have  killed  one  Indian  whofe  body  we  recovered  and 
have  reafon  to  beleve  Some  others  were  Killed  or 
Wounded —  we  have  collected  most  of  our  Englifh 
grain  without  lofs  &  have  a  prospect  of  a  Sufficient 
Crop  of  Corn  for  the  Support  of  the  inhabitants  the 

coming  year 

I  have  the  Honour  to 
be  with  every 

pofiable  Sentiment 
of  efteem.  Sir 
your  humb^  Sev* 

RuFus  Putnam 


Gen^  Knox 


1  Pages  254,  255. 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        257 


FROM    SECRETARY    OF    WAR 
ANOUNCING    MY   APPOINTM''   OF    BRIGADIER 

War  Department 
May  5.  1792. 
Sir 

I  have  the  honor  to  inform  you  that  the  President 
of  the  United  States  by  and  with  the  advice  and  con- 
sent of  the  Senate  —  has  appointed  you  a  Brigadier 
General. 

You  will  please  immediately  to  signify  your  accep- 
tance or  nonacceptance  of  this  appointment. 

In  order  that  you  may  judge  of  the  pay  rations 
and  emoluments  for  the  commifsioned  and  non-com- 
mifsioned  Officers  and  privates  in  the  fervice  of  the 
United  States,  I  enclose  you  the  act  of  Congrefs  rela- 
tive to  the  military  establishment 

I  have  the  honor  to  be 
Sir 
Your  most  obedient  fervant 

H  Knox 
Secy  of  War 
Brig  Gen^  RUFUS  PUTNAM 

INSTRUCTIONS   TO    BRIGADIER    GENERAL    RUFUS    PUTNAM 

Sir, 

As  you  have  at  the  request  of  the  President  of  the 
United  States,  agreed  to  attempt  to  be  present  at  the 
General  Council  of  the  hostile  Indians  about  to  be 
held  on  the  Miami  River  of  Lake  Erie,  in  order  to 
convince  the  said  Indians  of  the  humane  dispositions 
of  the  United  States,  and  thereby  to  make  a  truce  or 
peace  with  them  —  it  is  proper,  that  you  should  re- 
ceive all  due  information,  and  instructions,  relatively 
to  your  mifsion  — 


258        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

You  have  herewith  delivered  to  you, 
First.  A  Copy  of  the  treaty  of  Fort  Stanwix  made  on 
the  twenty  second  day  of  October  1784. 
Secondly.   A  Copy  of  the  treaty  of  Fort  M'=Intosh 
made  the  21.  January  1785. 

Thirdly.    A  Copy  of  the  treaty  with  the  Shawnefe, 
made  at  the  Miami,  in  January  1 786  — 
Fourthly.   And  of  the  treaties  with  the  Six  Nations, 
and  with  the  Wyandots  &c.  concluded  at  Fort  Har- 
mar  on  the  9*^^  of  January  1 789  — 

These  last  mentioned  treaties  confirm  nearly  the 
bounds  of  the  treaties  made  at  Fort  Stanwix  in  1784, 
and  Fort  M'^Intosh  in  1785. 

And  that  there  should  be  no  mistake  as  to  the 
boundaries  claimed  by  the  United  States,  by  virtue  of 
the  said  several  treaties,  you  have  herewith  delivered 
to  you  a  map,  whereon  the  boundaries  are  clearly 
marked  —  You  will  observe,  that  there  are  several 
reservations  to  the  United  States,  marked  within  the 
Indian  lands  —  Information  has  been  received,  that 
the  Indians  consider  those  reservations  with  great 
uneasinefs  —  If  upon  your  bringing  this  subject  to 
view  at  the  Council,  it  should  appear  to  be  the  case 
you  may  exprefs  your  opinion,  that  upon  an  ultimate 
adjustment  of  differences,  the  said  reservations  may 
be  relinquished  by  the  United  States,  excepting  for 
those  parts  about  the  Fort  at  Detroit,  which  will  be 
necefsary  for  the  Garrison. 

The  Chiefs  of  the  five  Nations  of  Indians,  who 
were  so  long  in  this  City,  lately,  were  astonished  at 
the  moderation  of  our  claim  of  land ;  it  being  very 
different  from  what  they  have  been  taught  by  design- 
ing people  to  believe  — 

It  would  seem  that  the  Indians  have  been  misled 
with  respect  to  our  claims,  by  a  certain  map  pub- 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        259 

lished  in  Connecticut,  whereon  are  laid  out  ten  new 
ftates,  agreeably  to  a  report  of  a  Committee  of  Con- 
grefs. 

The  United  States  are  desirous  in  any  treaty  which 
shall  be  formed  in  future,  to  avoid  all  causes  of  War 
relatively  to  Boundaries,  by  fixing  the  same  in  such 
a  manner  as  not  to  be  mistaken  by  the  meanest 
capacity  —  As  the  basis  therefore  of  your  negocia- 
tion,  you  will,  in  the  strongest  and  fnost  explicit  terms, 
renounce  on  the  part  of  the  United  States,  all  claims 
to  any  Indian  land  which  shall  not  have  been  ceded 
by  fair  treaties,  made  with  the  Indian  Nations. 

That  we  conceive  the  treaty  of  Fort  Harmar  to 
have  been  formed  by  the  tribes  having  a  just  right 
to  make  the  same,  and  that  it  was  done  with  their 
full  understanding,  and  free  consent. 

That  if  however  the  said  tribes  should  judge  the 
compenfation  to  have  been  inadequate  to  the  object, 
or  that  any  other  tribes  have  a  just  claim,  in  both 
cases  they  shall  receive  a  liberal  allowance  on  their 
finally  settling  all  disputes  upon  the  subject. 

That  with  respect  to  the  lands  ceded  or  retained 
by  the  treaty  with  the  Shawanefe  of  the  Miami  of  the 
Ohio,  doubts  are  entertained  of  any  rights  pofsefsed 
by  the  said  Shawanefe,  excepting  those  of  sufferance 
by  the  tribes  who  justly  claim  the  same  —  But,  if  the 
rights  to  the  Shawanefe  should  be  conceded  by  the 
other  neighbouring  tribes  who  should  think  proper 
to  confirm  the  boundaries  marked  for  the  said  Shaw- 
anefe, the  United  States  will  abide  thereby. 

As  the  United  States  have  never  made  any  treaties 
with  the  Wabash  Indians,  although  the  said  Indians 
have  been  repeatedly  invited  thereto,  their  Claims  to 
the  lands  East  and  South  of  the  said  Wabash,  have 
not  been  defined. 


26o       OFFICIAL  CORRESPONDENCE 

This  circumstance  will  be  a  subject  of  your  inquiry 
with  the  afsembled  Indian  tribes,  and  you  may  afsure 
the  parties  concerned  that  an  equitable  boundary 
shall  be  arranged  with  them. 

You  will  make  it  clearly  understood  that  we  want 
not  a  foot  of  their  land,  and  that  it  is  theirs,  and  theirs 
only —  That  they  have  the  right  to  sell,  and  the 
right  to  refuse  to  sell,  and  that  the  United  States  will 
guarantee  to  them  their  said  just  rights 

That  all  we  require  of  the  Indians  is  a  peaceable 
demeanor,  that  they  neither  plunder  the  frontiers  of 
their  horses,  or  murder  the  Inhabitants.  That  the 
United  States  are  bound  to  protect  the  Inhabitants,  at 
the  risque  of  every  inconvenience  of  Men  and  Money. 

You  will  represent  to  them,  that  a  new  flate  of 
things  has  taken  place  in  the  United  States  —  that 
formerly  we  were  an  afsociation  of  several  separate 
states,  like  their  several  separate  tribes,  and  that 
there  was  no  portion  of  Union  and  Strength  sufficient 
to  regulate  the  several  parts,  as  belonging  to  the 
same  machine 

But,  that  now  we  have  a  general  goverment  em- 
bracing all  parts  of  the  Union,  as  it  respects  foreign 
Nations  and  Indian  tribes. 

That  General  Washington  is  placed  at  the  head 
of  this  Government,  and  that  he  or  some  person  im- 
mediately authorized  by  him,  must  make  all  treaties 
with  the  Indian  tribes. 

That  therefore,  in  future,  all  the  Indian  Nations 
may  rest  with  great  confidence  upon  the  justice,  the 
humanity,  and  the  liberality,  of  the  United  States. 

That  it  is  not  only  the  sincere  desire  of  the  United 
States  to  be  at  peace  with  all  the  neighbouring  Indian 
tribes,  but  to  protect  them  in  their  just  rights  against 
lawlefs,  violent,  white  people  :  if  such  should  commit 
any  injury  on  the  persons  or  properties  of  a  peaceable 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        261 

Indian,  they  will  be  regarded  equally  as  the  Enemies 
of  the  General  Government,  as  the  Indians,  and  will 
be  punished  accordingly. 

Let  the  Indians  at  the  said  Council  know  fully.  That 
the  United  States  are  friends  with  the  Creeks  to  whom 
we  give  fifteen  hundred  dollars  annually  —  With  the 
Cherokees  (excepting  a  few  Outcasts  who  have  been 
leagued  with  the  Shawanese)  to  whom  we  also  give 
fifteen  hundred  dollars  annually —  That  we  have 
treaties  of  peace  with  the  Choctaws  and  Chickasaws 
—  to  whom  we  shall  probably  afsign  an  annual  allow- 
ance as  they  have  proved  themselves  our  friends  — 

That  we  also  have  lately  allowed  the  five  Nations, 
to  wit,  the  Senekas,  Cayugas,  Oneidas  including  the 
Stockbridge  tribe  —  Onondagas,  and  Tuscororas,  the 
Sum  of  Fifteen  hundred  dollars  annually. 

That  the  United  States  are  highly  desirous  of  im- 
parting to  all  the  Indians  tribes,  the  blefsings  of  civ- 
ilization, as  the  only  mean  of  perpetuating  them  on 
the  earth. 

That  we  are  willing  to  be  at  the  expence  of  teach- 
ing them  to  read  and  write,  to  plough  and  to  sow,  in 
order  to  raise  their  own  bread  and  meat  with  cer- 
tainty, as  the  white  people  do. 

In  short,  that  the  United  States  willing  to  believe 
that  the  conduct  of  the  hostile  Indians  hitherto,  has 
been  more  the  effect  of  misrepresentation  of  bad  peo- 
ple, than  any  hardened  malignity  of  the  human  heart, 
are  desirous  of  forgetting  and  burying  deep  forever, 
all  the  evils  which  have  past,  and  to  administer  such 
good  things  to  the  said  Indians,  as  will  make  them 
rejoice  for  ever,  at  the  annual  return  of  the  day  on 
which  they  may  conclude  a  treaty  with  the  United 
States. 

You  will  inform  the  hostile  Indians,  that  these  sen- 
timents are  not  the  offspring  of   the   defeat  of  the 


262        OFFICIAL  CORRESPONDENCE 

fourth  of  November  last,  but  that  they  arise  from 
the  purest  desire  to  avoid  the  further  effusion  of 
blood. 

That  our  dispositions  for  peace  are  not  the  conse- 
quence of  any  apprehensions  of  the  ifsue  of  the  War 
may  be  made  apparent  to  the  Indians  by  a  compari- 
son of  the  strength  and  resources  of  the  United  States 
and  the  Indians. 

That  we  entertained  these  dispositions  for  peace 
early  in  the  last  year  and  attempted  to  send  various 
mefseng-ers  accordingly  but  who  were  prevented  by 
unforeseen  circumstances. 

The  Senekas  who  Colonel  Procter  persuaded  to 
accompany  him  to  the  Miami  Village  will  be  a  good 
Witnefs  to  the  truth  of  this  as  will  be  Captain  Hendrick 
the  Chief  of  the  Stockbridge  Indians  who  also  made 
considerable  progrefs  in  his  journey  but  was  stopped 
at  the  Grand  River  North  of  Lake  Erie 

Two  persons  were  engaged  in  January  last  to  re- 
pair to  the  Miami  Village,  and  actually  proceeded  as 
far  as  Niagara  where  they  were  stopped  their  busi- 
nefs  not  being  known. 

February  the  tenth  General  Wilkinson  was  directed 
as  you  will  particularly  observe  by  the  extract  of  my 
letter  herewith  delivered  to  intimate  by  himself  and 
Major  Hamtramck  our  desire  for  peace.^ 

Doctor  Brown  was  chosen  to  repair  to  the  Miami 
Village  for  this  purpose,  and  it  is  probable  that  he  is 
on  his  mifsion  accordingly 

1  Lieutenant-Colonel  James  Wilkinson,  commandant  at  Fort  Washing- 
ton (Cincinnati),  and  Major  John  Hamtramck,  commandant  at  Fort  Knox 
(Vincennes),  were  ordered  to  send  Indian  and  French  messengers  to  the 
hostile  Indians  to  impress  upon  them  that  the  desire  of  the  United  States 
was  not  for  their  lands,  but  for  peace.  The  Indians  were  urged  to  send 
representatives  to  a  council  at  Fort  Washington  as  proof  of  their  friendly 
disposition,  and  were  threatened  with  force  if  they  should  fail  to  comply. 
Similar  messages  were  sent  by  way  of  the  Lakes. 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        263 

Major  Hamtramck  in  his  letter  of  the  31.  March  a 
copy  of  which  you  have  delivered  you,  Hates  that  be- 
sides making  peace  with  the  Wea  and  Eel  River  In- 
dians he  has  dispatched  Agents  to  most  of  the  hoftile 
•  Indians  West  of  the  Wabash  and  Omie  Rivers  ^ 

You  have  also  herewith  delivered  you  copies  of 
the  inllructions  to  Major  Trueman  and  the  speech 
with  which  he  was  charged  to  the  hoflile  Indians 
dated  the  3*^  of  April.^  Every  thing  which  can  be 
effected  by  an  ardent  zeal  may  be  expected  from  the 
Majors  Mifsion,  and  you  will  please  to  confide  in  and 
employ  him  in  your  businefs  agreeably  to  my  letter 
to  him  herewith  delivered  to  you  —  The  Chiefs  of 
the  five  nations,  who  were  lately  in  this  City,  have 
agreed  to  repair  to  the  General  Council  about  being 
held  —  they  departed  this  City  apparently  well  im- 
prefsed  with  the  justice  and  humanity  of  the  United 
States  and  stipulated  to  use  their  highest  exertions 
to  effect  a  peace  — 

Colonel  Louis  of  the  Cagnawagnas  also  came  here 
to  inform  the  Government  that  the  seven  castles  so 
called  in  Canada  had  been  invited  to  the  Council  to 
be  held  at  the  Miami  River  of  Lake  Erie —  He  be- 
ing also  convinced  of  the  justice  of  the  United  States 
promised  to  use  his  influence  towards  a  peace. 

Captain  Hendrick  Aupaumut  chief  of  the  Stock- 

^  In  March,  before  receiving  his  instructions  to  send  out  peace  messen- 
gers, Major  Hamtramck  had  formally  agreed  with  the  Eel  River  and 
Wea  Chiefs  that  as  they  desired  peace,  a  treaty  should  be  held  at  Vin- 
cennes ;  that  their  lands  should  be  confirmed  to  them  by  the  United 
States ;  and  that  on  their  part  they  should  cease  all  depredations,  and  share 
their  knowledge  of  any  hostile  designs  of  other  Indians  against  the  United 
States. 

2  In  April,  Captain  Alexander  Trueman  was  sent  via  Pittsburgh  and 
Fort  Washington  to  carry  a  speech  from  the  President  to  the  Miami  Vil- 
lage, at  the  head  of  the  Omie  (Maumee)  River.  In  this  speech  the  In- 
dians were  urged  to  cease  hostilities,  and  to  send  some  of  their  principal 
chiefs  to  a  peace  conference  at  Philadelphia. 


264        OFFICIAL  CORRESPONDENCE 

bridge  Indians  and  his  Brother  have  also  gone  spe- 
cially charged  to  prepare  the  way  for  your  reception 
and  to  meet  you  at  Fort  Jefferson  ;  ^  his  instructions 
you  have  also  delivered  to  you. 

The  recital  of  these  several  measures  are  made,  in 
order  to  show  you  that  the  businefs  is  in  a  consider- 
able degree  matured. 

I  have  written  to  M*"  John  Heckewelder  of  Beth- 
lehem to  accompany  you,  which  he  has  promised 
to  do  ;  but  he  cannot  set  out  from  Bethlehem  until 
the  25*^  instant,  but  he  will  probably  overtake  you 
at  Pittsburg  or  Marietta.  This  person  superintended 
one  of  the  Moravian  Towns  in  the  Muskingum,  and 
has  a  general  acquaintance  with  and  influence  over 
the  Wyandots  and  Delawares. 

Much  good  may  be  expected  from  the  agreement 
made  by  Major  Hamtramck  with  the  Wabash  In- 
dians —  It  is  hoped  that  it  will  be  an  happy  intro- 
duction to  a  general  peace  —  their  influence  and 
agency  may  be  expected  with  the  other  Indians  and 
you  may  obtain  from  them  escorts  and  mefsengers 
to  the  hostile  Indians 

You  have  herewith  delivered  to  you  an  invoice  of 
Indian  Goods  at  Fort  Washington  and  an  order  for 
the  same.  These  goods  or  part  thereof  may  be  pre- 
sented to  the  Wabash  Indians  who  have  agreed  with 
Major  Hamtramck  provided  it  should  be  the  joint 
judgment  of  Brig""  Gen^  Wilkinfon  and  yourself  but 
under  such  restrictions  as  to  preclude  all  abuses. 

Besides  these  goods  you  have  delivered  to  you, 
twenty  setts  of  silver  ornaments  for  such  of  the  prin- 
cipal chiefs  as  shall  come  to  a  pacific  agreement,  and 
also  nose  and  ear  jewels. 

Besides  the  above  a  further  provision  of  Goods 

^  Fort  Jefferson  was  about  sixty-seven  miles  north  of  Fort  Washington, 
on  St.  Clair's  route  to  the  Miami  village. 


OFFICIAL  CORRESPONDENCE        265 

will  be  made  immediately  and  forwarded  to  Fort 
Pitt  to  a  considerable  amount  the  disposition  of 
which  will  be  hereafter  directed. 

Your  first  great  object  upon  meeting  the  Indians 
will  be  to  convince  them  that  the  United  States  re- 
quire none  of  their  lands. 

The  Second.  That  we  shall  guarantee  all  that  re- 
mains and  take  the  Indians  under  our  protection 

Thirdly.  They  must  agree  to  a  truce  and  immedi- 
ately call  in  all  their  War  parties  —  it  will  be  in  vain 
to  be  negociating  with  them  while  they  shall  be  mur- 
dering the  frontier  citizens. 

Having  happily  effected  a  truce  founded  on  the 
above  afsurances,  it  will  be  then  your  primary  en- 
deavour to  obtain  from  each  of  the  hostile  and  neigh- 
bouring tribes,  two  of  the  most  respectable  Chiefs  to 
repair  to  the  seat  of  the  Government  and  there  con- 
clude a  treaty  with  the  President  of  the  United  States 
in  which  all  causes  of  difference  should  be  buried 
forever 

You  will  give  the  chiefs  every  afsurance  of  personal 
protection  while  on  their  journey  to  Philadelphia,  and 
should  they  insist  upon  it  Hostages  of  Officers  for 
the  safe  return  of  the  chiefs,  and  in  case  of  their  com- 
pliance you  will  take  every  precaution  by  the  troops 
for  their  protection  of  the  said  chiefs  which  the  na- 
ture of  the  case  may  require 

But  if  after  having  used  your  utmost  exertions  the 
chiefs  should  decline  the  journey  to  Philadelphia, 
then  you  will  agree  with  them  on  a  place  for  a  gen- 
eral treaty. 

In  considering  upon  this  place  —  perhaps  Pitts- 
burgh or  its  vicinity  would  be  as  proper  a  place  as 
could  be  decided  upon  —  Provifions  could  be  pro- 
cured in  abundance  and  it  would  be  the  point  to 
which  the  goods  could  be  easily  transported 


266       OFFICIAL  CORRESPONDENCE 

In  this  event  it  will  be  necefsary  that  I  should  be 
informed  by  the  earliest  opportunity  in  order  that 
the  principles  of,  and  arrangements  for  the  treaty 
should  be  fixed 

It  will  also  be  of  the  highest  importance  that  you 
keep  General  Wayne  constantly  informed  of  your 
progrefs  and  prospects  as  his  movements  will  be 
governed  by  your  information  — 

As  it  may  be  necefsary  for  you  to  conciliate  some 
chiefs  by  money  and  also  to  obtain  runners,  you  have 
delivered  you  a  warrant  on  the  treasurer  for  one 
thousand  dollars  for  which  you  will  be  held  account- 
able. 

Of  all  your  disbursements  either  of  money  or  goods, 
you  will  keep  fair  accounts  supported  by  vouchers  in 
all  pofsible  cases,  or  of  witnefses  as  evidences  of  the 
delivery  of  Goods. 

As  this  will  be  considered  as  an  extra  service  from 
your  military  employment,  your  expences  will  be 
paid  by  the  publick,  and  if  you  succeed  in  effecting 
a  peace  you  are  hereby  promised  in  behalf  of  the 
United  States  an  handfome  pecuniary  reward. 

In  case  any  accident  should  happen  to  you  while 
employed  on  this  mifsion  you  may  rest  afsured  the 
Government  will  make  a  suitable  provision  for  your 
family. 

It  has  been  conceived,  that  were  you  to  repair  to 
Fort  Washington  and  thence  to  Fort  Jefferson  that 
you  would  more  readily  than  from  any  other  point 
find  a  communication  with  the  hostile  Indians  —  upon 
your  nearer  approach  you  will  form  your  own  judg- 
ment and  take  your  own  measures  —  Having  given 
you  a  view  of  the  objects  and  the  train  in  which 
things  are,  the  rest  must  be  left  entirely  to  your 
discretion  — 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        267 

But  I  cannot  close  these  instructions  without  urg- 
ing to  you  the  highest  pofsible  exertions  in  bringing 
the  War  to  a  clofe  and  of  devifing  every  proper  mean 
for  that  purpose  —  An  Indian  war  is  destructive  to 
the  interests  of  humanity  and  an  event  from  which 
neither  dignity  or  profit  can  be  reaped.  It  has  been 
imposed  on  the  Government  by  strong  causes  which 
it  could  not  controul  or  prevent  and  the  sooner  it  is 
terminated  the  better  —  You  may  be  afsured  that 
all  the  stipulation  of  rewards  you  make  shall  be  fully 
complied  with  and  they  ought  to  be  liberal  — 

On  your  arrival  at  Fort  Washington,  all  the 
Women  &  Children  belonging  to  those  tribes  with 
whom  Major  Hamtramck  has  made  peace  are  to  be 
well  clad  and  released  from  their  captivity —  The 
women  to  have  some  of  the  silver  ornaments  pre- 
sented to  them. 

Enclosed  you  have  a  letter  to  Brigadier  General 
Wilkinson  on  the  subject  of  the  release  of  the  above 
described  prisoners. 

These  instructions  are  given  by  the  authority  of 
the  President  of  the  United  States  and  are  to  be  re- 
garded accordingly. 

Given  at  the  War  Office  of  the  United  States 
this  twenty  fecond  day  of  May  1 792  — 

H  Knox 
Sec''  of  War 

COPY   OF   A    LETTER   TO   GENERAL    KNOX 

Pittsburgh  June  s^^  1792 
Sir 

I  arrived  at  this  place  the  2*^  indent  in  the  morn- 
ing, and  in  the  afternoon  Capt  Jef^ers  arrived  from  a 
Scout,  whofe  report  I  herewith  enclofe  —  Takeing 
into  consideration  the  circumflances  relative  to  the 


268        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

two  Munsey  Indians,  brought  in  by  Capt  Jeffers, 
perticulerly  that  they  had  never  ben  confined,  nor 
disarmed,  and  that  the  principle  Warriours  of  the 
Sennakas,  who  was  with  M'  Jeffers  on  this  Servis, 
ware  very  defierous  they  Should  be  Set  at  liberty,  I 
concived  it  best  to  comply  with  their  wifhes ;  And 
befides  I  thought  it  might  promote  the  bufines  I  am 
on  to  Send  a  Speech  by  them  to  the  hostile  nations, 
and  accordingly  I  made  the  propofition  to  them  : 
they  deliered  to  confialt  two  of  the  principle  Senakas 
who  had  ben  out  with  M""  Jeffers  —  thefe  warriours 
returned  for  anfwer  that  they  might  cary  my  Speech 
to  Capt  Snake  or  Some  other  principle  man  among 
the  Munfies,  who  would  no  doubt  Send  it  to  the 
more  hostile  tribes  but  that  thefe  men  haveing  ben 
present  when  the  two  Dellawares  ware  Killed  it 
would  not  be  Safe  for  them  to  carry  it  to  the  other 
tribes —  on  the  whole  althoe  this  conveyance  ap- 
peared rather  doubtfull,  yet  conlidering  the  uncer- 
tainty of  Major  Trumans  Succefs,  and  alfo  that  of 
Capt  Hendricks,  and  that  northing  might  be  left 
undon  that  had  a  tendency  to  induce  the  hostile  In- 
dians to  give  me  a  hearing  I  have  framed  a  Speech 
for  the  purpos  (a  Copy  of  which  is  herewith  enclofed  i) 
and  I  expect  thefe  Indians  will  Set  out  tomorrow  on 
their  Journey. 

Mr  Heckenwelder  arrived  here  the  third  inflent, 
and  I  expect  to  leve  this  the  day  after  tomorrow  — 

I  hear  there  has  ben  a  plan  on  foot  among  the 
Militia  of  Wafhington  and  Some  other  Countys  to 
make  an  attack  on  the  Sanduskey  Towns.  I  beleve 
their  is  no  great  danger  of  their  puting  the  Scheme 
in  execution,  however  I  would  Suggest  the  propriety 
of  reflraining  all  ofeniive  opperations  on  our  part,  for 

1  Page  269. 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        269 

the  prefent.  the  propriety  of  this  meafure  appears 
to  me  So  Just  that  did  I  not  expect  General  Wain  to 
arrive  at  this  place  Soon  or  that  Such  orders  would 
Soon  Issue  from  the  War  [Department]  to  the  Mili- 
tia in  this  quarter,  I  should  have  wrote  to  the  Lieu- 
tenants of  the  Countys  on  the  Subject ;  for  while 
Some  Mefengers  and  Negotiators  are  gon,  and  others 
going  into  the  Indian  Country ;  Should  any  Stroke 
be  made  on  their  towns  it  is  more  then  probable 
that  goverment  would  be  wholly  frustrated  in  their 
purpofes  of  accommodation,  and  every  perfon  within 
the  power  of  the  enemy  would  fall  a  Sacrefise  — 
I  have  the  honour  to  be 

Sir  your  most  obedient 
humble  Servant 

R  Putnam 
Gen.  Knox  Secretary 
at  War  — 

COPY   OF   SPEECH   TO   THE   INDIANS 

Speech  of  Brigadier  General  Rufus  Putnam,  Com- 
mifioner  Appointed  by  the  Great  Chief  General 
Wafhington  &  his  Council,  viz  the  Congrefs  of  the 
United  States  — 

To  all  the  Sachems  and  Warriours  of  the  tribes 
inhabiting  the  Miami  or  Tawa  River,  and  the 
waters  of  the  Wabalh  River :  the  Wyandots,  Del- 
lawares  Chippawas,  Ottawas,  Pattiwatamas,  Sha- 
wones,  Tweetwees  and  all  other  Indian  Nations 
refideing  Southward  of  the  Lakes,  East  of  the 
MiiTisippi  and  Northward  of  the  River  Ohio  — 

Brothers 

The  Great  Councill  of  the  United  States  haveing 
Taken  into  conlideration  the  prefent  Troubles  fub- 


270       OFFICIAL  CORRESPONDENCE 

sisting  between  them  and  their  Brothers  of  difEerent 
Indian  Tribes,  have  reafon  to  beleve,  in  Some  mea- 
fure,  that  thefe  Troubles  have  arifen  from  Mifsunder- 
flanding  between  the  parties  concerned,  and  being 
delierous  to  remove  every  Just  ground  of  Complaint 
The  Great  Chief,  General  Wafhington  more  then 
two  Moons  past  Sent  a  Speech  to  you  by  Capt  Tru- 
man on  the  Subject  of  peace  —  And  Capt  Hendrick, 
a  Cheif  of  the  Stockbridge  Tribe  has  alfo  ben  dis- 
patched to  inform  you  of  the  frindly  Disposition  of 
the  prefident  and  all  the  Great  Councill  of  the  United 

States  toward  all  Indian  Tribes 

Brothers 

Thefe  and  other  meafures  of  the  like  nature  have 
ben  taken  preparitory  to  my  arrivel  on  our  Frontier 
Settlements,  who  am  appointed  by  Gen'  Wafhington 
in  behalf  of  the  Great  Council,  to  enquire  into  all 
your  Grievances  and  to  treat  with  you  on  the  puerest 
principle  of  Justice  and  humanity  — 
Brothers 

I  have  weighty  matters  to  communicate  to  you  and 
do  not  doubt  but  when  we  Shall  meet  togather  and 
have  heard  one  another,  your  hearts  will  rejoice 
and  we  Shall  unite  in  Frindfhip  and  love 

a  String  of  3  Branches 

Brothers 

All  the  Roads  between  you  and  us  have  ben  Shut 
for  Some  time  past.  I  now  request  you  to  open  the 
path  that  leads  to  Fort  Jefferson  (the  neerest  of  our 
Forts  to  the  Miami  Towns)  That  you  and  I  may  be 
able  to  meet  one  another  and  enter  on  this  Great 
work.  I  expect  to  be  their  my  Self  in  about  twenty 
days  and  request  that  you  will  Send  Some  of  your 
men  with  Capt  Hendrick  to  conduct  me  with  a  few 


< 


O 


2; 

CL, 

o 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE         271 

frinds  to  the  place  you  Shall  fix  on  for  our  meeting — 
your  Mefsengers  may  approch  Fort  Jefferson  without 
fear,  as  meafures  are  already  taken  to  prevent  any 
injury  being  don  to  them. 

a  String  of  2  Branches 
Brothers 

You  have  heard  what  I  have  to  Say  at  prefent. 
fill  your  pipes  with  this  (Tobacco)  when  you  deliber- 
ate on  this  my  Speech,  and  above  all  let  the  Great 
and  good  Spirit  above  guide  you  in  your  Coun- 
cils and  you  will  find  that  you  will  be  blefsed  with 
peace  and  hapinefs  — 

a  roll  of  Tobacco 
Pittsburgh,  June  5«^ 

1792  RuFus  Putnam  B  G  &c  &c 

Commifsioner  for 
Treating  with  the 
Indian  Nations  in 
behalf  of  the  United 
Stats 


tI' 


LETTER   TO    GEN''   WAYNE 

Marietta  June  23d  1792 
Dear  General 

I  herewith  enclofe  you  a  Statement  of  the  dispofi- 
tion  of  the  Troops  Stationed  at  Marietta  Belleprie 
and  Waterford  with  a  Short  defcription  of  the  Local 
Situation  of  the  Several  Stations  reletive  to  each  other 
—  I  beg  leve  further  to  remark,  that  thefe  Settlement 
being  more  then  one  hundred  miles  from  any  other 
Settlemets  that  can  afford  them  releaf,  are  exceed- 
ingly expofed  to  the  Depredations  of  the  Enimy,  and 
as  I  concive  they  have  a  Claim,  So  I  have  no  doubt 
they  will  have  your  attention  — 


272        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

the  Station  at  Waterford  is  more  exposed  then  any 
of  the  others :  I  concive  it  a  proper  place  to  be  oc- 
cupied by  a  conliderable  force,  for  befids  preventing 
the  deflruction  of  between  twenty  &  thirty  familis,  if 
a  Company  or  two  of  Rifle  men  ware  Stationed  there, 
to  Scout  up  the  Muskingum  River  and  toward  the 
Hockhocking  they  would  be  a  very  great  protection 
to  the  Inhabitants  of,  Ohio  and  Wafhington  Countys 
as  well  as  to  the  inhabitant  in  this  quartr  on  Both 
Sids  of  the  ohio  River  — 

I  leva  this  place  the  25*  for  Fort  Wafhington 
I  have  the  Honor  Sir 

COPY  OF  LETTER  TO  GEN'*  WILKENSON 

Fort  Washington  July  3d  1792 
Sir 

I  prefume  the  Secretary  at  War  has  informed  you 
that  my  prefent  bufinefs  in  this  Quarter,  is  to  indevor 
to  bring  about  a  Treaty  with  the  hostile  Tribes  of  In- 
dians. In  ordor  fir,  that  I  may  act  underflandingly 
and  the  p  [1]  ans  of  Goverment  appear  Uniform  it  is 
necefsary  that  I  Should  know  what  meafures  has  ben 
taken  by  you  relative  the  premifes,  more  efpecially 
Sence  your  receipt  of  Gen^  Knoxs  letter  of  the  11*^  of 
February  last  I  therefore  request  to  be  informed  the 
Speeches  you  have  Sent  to  the  Indians,  the  informa- 
tion you  have  recived  from  or  concerning  them,  and 
ordors  given  to  the  of^cer  commanding  at  Fort  Jef- 
ferfon  &  other  out  post  relative  to  the  approch  of 
Flags  or  Mefsengers  — 

In  my  inftructiohs  from  the  Secretary  at  War  is 
the  following  —  viz  "  you  have  herewith  Delivered  to 
"  you  an  invoice  of  Indian  Goods  at  Fort  Wafhington, 
"  and  an  ordor  for  the  Same  These  goods  or  part 
"  thereof  may  be  prefented  to  the  Wabalh  Indians 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        273 

"  who  have  agreed  with  Major  Hamtramok  provided 
"  it  Should  be  the  Joint  Judgment  Brigadier  Gen* 
"  Wilkenfon  and  your  felf,  but  under  fuch  reflrictions 
"as  to  preclude  all  abufes "  (again)  "  on  your  arri- 
"  vel  at  Fort  Wafhington  all  the  Women  and  Chil- 
"  dren  belonging  to  thofe  tribes  with  whome  Major 
**  Hamtramok  has  made  peace  are  to  be  well  clad 
"and  releafed  from  their  Captivity  —  the  women  to 
"have  Some  of  the  Silver  ornaments  prefented  to 
"  them. 

to  this  Extract  from  Inllruct  of  the  Secretary  at 
War  I  wifh  we  may  attend  as  Soon  as  pofiable ;  For 
every  other  matter  relative  to  the  profecution  of  the 
object  I  am  Sent  on  I  fhall  with  pleafure  recive  your 
opinion  and  advice,  and  Should  we  be  So  unfortunate 
as  not  to  effect  a  peace,  yet  I  have  no  doubt  but  fuch 
evidence  will  be  given  of  our  United  effort  to  accom- 
plifh  the  wifhes  of  goverment  on  this  head  as  will 
afford  a  pleafmg  reflection  in  our  own  minds  and 
convince  the  Nation  of  the  Necefsity  of  profecuting 
the  War  with  vigour 

COPY  OF   LETTER   TO   GEN^    KNOX 

Fort  Washington  July  5th  1792 
Sir 

My  last  letter  was  from  Marietta  June  23 '^.  I  was 
not  able  to  leve  that  place  untill  the  26'^  I  halted  one 
day  at  Galipolis  and  arrived  here  on  the  2'^  Inftent 
at  8,  oClock  in  the  morning  ;  Soon  after  my  arrivel 
Gen^  Wilkinson  returned  from  a  Tour  to  Fort  Jeffer- 
son with  the  Disagreable  News  that  on  the  25**^  ult 
about  100  Indians  made  an  attack  [on]  a  party  of 
men  Cuting  hay  neer  Fort  Jefferson  that  16  of  our 
people  ware  Killed  and  Mifmg,  that  four  Dead  bodies 
only  had  ben  found  on  whome  was  marks   [of]  the 


274        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

greatest  emity  &  cruelty  practised,  a  War  Club  alfo 
with  a  very  extreordinary  Spike  in  the  head  of  it 
that  the  Indians  had  three  horses  with  them,  one 
man  was  drefsed  in  a  Scarlet  Suite  and  the  whole 
(or  at  lest  a  great  part)  appeared  in  white  Shirts  — 
Gen^  Wilkinson  further  informs  me  that  on  his  arrivel 
at  the  post  he  Sent  out  parties  to  trace  the  Enimys 
back  track  or  way  they  came  as  well  as  the  rout  they 
went  off,  and  that  they  both  came  from  and  returned 
toward  the  lower  part,  or  rapids,  of  the  Tawa  River  ^  — 
on  the  third  inilent  arrived  M""  Vego  ^  &  two  other 
Gentlemen  from  fort  Knox  who  inform  that  on  the 
20^^  ult  Some  Weya  Cheifs  Sent  by  Majr  Hamtra- 
mack  to  Eel  river  returned  with  News  that  four  men 
going  from  Some  of  our  Forts  with  a  Flag  had  ben 
Fired  on  by  a  party  of  Indians  three  of  the  men  ware 
killed,  the  man  with  the  Flag  and  papers  was  taken, 
that  after  keeping  him  one  day  they  killed  him  alfo. 
that  the  Indians  took  the  papers  to  Some  white  man 
who  could  read  and  that  they  contained  a  long 
and  good  Talk  from  a  Great  Cheif  which  when  the 
Indians  underflood  they  ware  Sorry  for  what  they 
had  don.  —  if  this  ace*  be  true  their  is  little  reafon 
to  doubt  but  Col°  Hardy  and  Major  Truman  have 
fallen  a  Sacrefise  and  that  Soon  after  they  left  Fort 
Walhington  as  it  was  intended  that  they  Should  not 
Travel  far  together —  and  their  is  alfo  Some  cir- 
cumflances  in  the  late  affair  neer  Fort  Jefferson  which 
if  attended  to  I  think  renders  the  arrivel  of  Capt 
Hendrick  at  that  post  for  the  purpose  expected  very 
doubtfull.  the  number  of  Indians  in  that  party,  indi- 
cates that  they  had  in  view  an  object  of  confiderable 
confequence.    their  drefs  was  uncommon  and  Shews 

1  The  Maumee  River. 

2  Francis  Vigo,  a  prominent  citizen  of  Vincennes. 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        275 

they  had  ben  very  lately  &  very  generally  furnifhed 
with  new  Shirts  by  the  Britifh  Superintendent,  indeed 
their  war  parties  I  beleve  Seldom  ware  any  Shirts 
while  Neer  or  Seeking  their  enemy  —  the  Hay- 
makers could  not  be  their  oreginal  object  for  that 
bufmefs  had  commenced  but  5  days  before  and  there- 
fore could  not  be  known  to  them  when  they  Set  out 
on  the  Expidition  provided  they  came  from  the 
mouth  of  the  Tawa  River  as  is  apprehended  another 
circumflance  is  that  they  made  the  attack  on  the 
mowers  the  very  day  (or  at  most  but  one  day  after 
the  time)  I  had  appointed  to  be  at  Fort  Jefferson,  as 
notified  to  the  Indians  in  my  Speech  Sent  them  from 
Pittsburgh  dated  the  5^^'  of  June  and  which  I  have  no 
doubt  reached  the  Grand  Councill  on  the  Tawa  River 
Sufficiently  early  to  have  a  war  party  march  from 
thence  to  Fort  Jefferson  before  the  time  the  attack 
was  made,  from  all  thefe  circumflances  I  concive 
their  [is]  great  reason  to  beleve  that  my  felf  was  the 
oreginal  object  of  that  expidition,  and  if  So  and  that 
it  was  undertaken  by  General  confent  of  the  afsem- 
bled  Chiefs,  I  think  there  is  little  reafon  to  expect  or 
beleve  they  are  at  prefent  inclined  to  treat  of  peace, 
but  prehaps  thefe  conjecturs  are  all  wrong  or  that  if 
I  was  the  object,  yet  the  party  came  out  through  the 
influenc  of  the  Superintendent  or  Some  Britifh  em- 
mifary  with  out  the  confent,  and  prehaps  without  the 
knowledge,  of  the  Chiefs  in  general  if  this  Should 
be  the  cafe  Hendreck  may  Soon  arrive  with  tiding 
more  agreable,  then  prefent  circumllancs  Seeme  to 
warrant  reafonable  expectation  of  — 

With  Mr  Vego  came  Weya  men  whofe  relations 
are  prifonrs  here,  and  alfo  an  Indian  by  the  name  of 
Billa  who  went  out  on  the  expidition  with  Gen^  S* 
Clair   was  in  the  action   was  wounded  &  taken  prif- 


276        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

oner  by  the  Enimy  and  Soon  after  made  his  efcape 
—  an  Interpreter  is  Sent  for  to  Kentucke  when  he 
arrives  I  Shall  be  able  to  Speek  with  thefe  people 
and  not  before,  from  Major  Hamtramck  letter  and 
the  information  of  M""  Vego  and  others,  the  real  in- 
tentions of  the  Weya  &  Eel  River  Indian  appear 
to  me  very  Doubtfull.  to  get  back  their  prifonrs  in 
the  opinion  of  the  Gentlemen  from  Vincennes  is  the 
principle  object  with  them  ;  but  whatever  their  in- 
tentions may  be  I  think  meafures  Should  be  taken  to 
compleat  a  treety  with  them  agreably  to  the  Stipula- 
tions made  with  them  by  Major  Hamtramack.  for 
however  Defirablean  object  it  may  be  to  bring  them 
to  Philadelphia,  I  beleve  it  altogather  impraticable. 
I  am  informed  that  they  object  Strongly  against  the 
proposition  made  to  them  by  Major  Hamtramak  of 
coming  to  Fort  Wafhington.  they  Say  it  is  too  far 
and  they  ware  promised  a  treaty  at  Fort  Knox  — 

It  is  my  opinion  that  a  perfon  be  authorized  to 
hold  a  Treaty  with  them  at  Fort  Knox  &  Compleat 
the  bufnefs  as  far  as  pofiable  agreably  to  the  articls 
Stipulate  [d]  with  Hamtramack  that  Some  goods 
be  given  them  as  an  Evidence  of  the  ability  and 
disposition  of  Goverment  to  Serve  them  that  the 
Boundarie  of  their  lands  be  defined  but  no  propoli- 
tion  of  purchafe  be  made  at  prefent  that  Goverment 
haveing  by  her  Justice  and  a  few  acts  of  liberalety 
(which  will  cost  little)  gained  their  confidence  their 
Chiefs  may  afterward  be  willing  (&  probably  defier- 
ous)  to  make  a  Journey  to  the  Seat  of  Goverment, 
that  they  will  offer  their  lands  for  Sale  before  the 
united  States  will  have  any  ocation  for  them  —  that 
begining  in  this  way  with  the  Tribs  neerest  to  Ven- 
cenneefs  their  is  no  doubt  but  others  will  Soon  follow 
their  example  and  if  by  this  meens  the  tribes  west 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        277 

of  the  Wabafh  can  be  detached  from  the  more  hos- 
tile Nations  a  point  of  very  confiderable  confequence 
will  be  gained  (the  perfon  to  be  appointed  on  this 
Mission  Should  be  one  well  disposed  toward  the  In- 
dians &  against  whome  they  entertain  no  perticuler 
prejudice  &  it  would  be  better  Still  if  one  can  be 
found  with  whom  they  are  acquaint  &  for  whom 
they  have  a  perticulr  Kindnefs) 

But  to  return  among  the  more  Hostile  tribes  I  do 
not  yet  dispair  of  Succefs  for  althoe  I  have  no  doubt 
but  many  of  the  Shawones  and  others  at  prefent  Shut 
their  ears  against  and  reject  every  Idea  of  peace, 
that  they  have  murdered  Major  Truman  and  prehaps 
every  other  white  man  that  has  ben  Sent  with  Mel^ 
sages  of  Peace,  and  that  it  was  a  party  of  thefe  fel- 
lows (countenanced  and  encouraged  by  prefents  from 
Some  British  agent)  that  came  to  Fort  Jefferson  with 
a  view  to  take  me  ofif  yet  I  much  doubt  if  thefe 
meafures  are  Countenanced  by  the  Chiefs  in  general, 
I  rather  beleve  they  are  the  work  of  a  few  who  by 
Such  means  expect  to  distract  the  Councils  of  the 
more  moderate  and  prevent  a  Treaties  takeing  place 
while  a  great  Majorety  are  wifhing  for  Such  an  event 
—  the  Same  ace*  that  gives  us  reafon  to  beleve  that 
Truman  &  other  Mefsengrs  are  murdered,  informs 
us  that  the  Prefidents  Speech  was  prefer\^ed.  Inter- 
preted &  confidered  a  good  one  and  that  they  ware 
Sorry  for  what  they  had  don.  if  the  Defigne  of  the 
party  who  came  to  Fort  Jefferson  was  to  murder  me 
that  circumllance  alfo  proves  that  my  Speech  had 
reached  the  Tawa  River  (and  that  it  has  reached  the 
Grand  Council  I  have  not  the  least  dout,  for  I  con- 
fider  the  mode  of  conveyance  as  certain  &  Sure)  add 
to  this  the  influence  of  Hendrick  with  the  Deputys 
from  the  Six  nations  C —  [?]  Le —  [?]  and  ye  Seven 


278        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

Castles  in  Cannada  (when  they  arrive)  will  have,  and 
I  think  their  is  confiderable  reafon  to  hope  the  Na- 
tions in  general  will  yet  confent  to  treat  of  peace  — 


letter  from  b  g  wilkinson 

Fort  Washington 
July  sth  1 792 
Sir 

Altho  the  free  &  full  verbal  communications,  which 
succeeded  your  addrefs  to  me  of  the  3'''^  Inst.^ 
which  you  did  me  the  honor  to  put  into  my  hand, 
supercede  the  necefsity  of  a  written  reply,  yet  it  may 
be  a  matter  of  propriety  to  our  respective  stations, 
that  I  should  thus  acknowledge  the  Receipt  of  that 
Letter,  &  at  the  same  time  afsure  you,  that  you  will 
find  in  me,  not  only  a  ready  but  a  zealous  coopera- 
tion, in  whatever  may  tend  to  the  prosecution  of  the 
Objects,  of  the  very  important  mifsion  confided  to 
you  by  the  supreme  executive,  and  in  every  other 
instance  which  may  Interest  the  public  good,  — 

Nothwithstanding,  the  very  systematic  outrage, 
recently  commited  in  the  vicinity  of  Fort  Jefferson, 
and  a  variety  of  concuring  circumstances,  bespeak 
the  sanguinary  disposition  of  the  Enemy,  &  their  in- 
veterate animosity,  yet  my  anxiety  to  carry  into  com- 
plete effect,  the  Views  &  prescriptions  of  the  President 
induced  me  on  leaving  Fort  Jefferson  the  29*^  Ult*"" 
to  instruct  Major  Smith  the  Commandant,  agreably 
to  the  following  extract  "  Notwithstanding  the  re- 
"  cent  outrage  of  the  Enemy,  you  are  to  persevere 
"  in  the  plan  of  defensive  measures,  and  are  to  re- 
"  ceive  &  to  treat  with  due  respect  any  flag  which 
"  may  present ;  tho  improbable,  it  is  pofsible  the  late 
"  hostility  may  have  been  perpetrated  by  some  Party 

1  Page  272. 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        279 

"  not  apprized  of  the  Pacific  overtures  now  pend- " 
"ing"  — 

Availing  myself  of  the  permifsion,  which  you  have 
given  me,  to  offer  you  my  opinion  &  advice,  I  will 
take  the  Liberty  to  suggest ;  that,  as  the  original  ar- 
rangements which  I  had  taken  on  the  subject  will  not 
only  secure  proper  treatment  to  any  Flag  which  may 
present  to  our  out  Posts,  but  that  the  communication 
of  such  circumstance  will  be  announced  here  from  the 
most  distant  in  thirty  Six  Hours  after  it  may  occur  ; 
I  think  your  Personal  attendance,  at  Fort  Jefferson, 
previous  to  the  arrival  of  any  deputation  from  the 
Enemy,  cannot  be  Interesting  to  the  Public,  &  will 
expose  you,  pent  up  as  you  must  be  in  a  crowded 
Garrison,  to  great  incommodation  —  You  moreover 
Sir  know  perfectly  well  how  to  estimate,  after  what 
has  happened,  the  probability  of  such  an  arrival  at 
that  Post  — 

In  carrying  my  views  forward  to  the  probable  re- 
sult of  the  pacific  overtures  now  pending,  I  must  con- 
fefs  to  you,  I  am  induced  to  believe,  that  Ft.  Vincennes 
under  existing  circumstances  presents,  as  the  most 
elegible  point  for  negotiation,  and  opens  to  us  a  pros- 
pect of  advantages,  which  may,  in  my  humble  Judg- 
ment, if  seasonably  attended  to,  be  pushed  to  great 
extent  &  with  great  Effect ;  on  this  Subject,  I  shall 
at  all  times  be  ready  to  enlarge,  and  I  cannot  close 
this  Letter  without  testifying  to  you,  the  Heart-felt- 
pleasure,  I  derive  from  the  coincidance  of  Sentiment 
manifested  in  the  conferences  we  have  held  —  Believe 
me  with  all  due  respect  for  your  superior  age  &  ex- 
perience, and  with  unfeigned  Personal  regard, 
Your  Obedient,  ready 

&  very  H^'^  Ser\^ant 

JA :  Wilkinson 
Brig''  General  PUTNAM 


28o       OFFICIAL  CORRESPONDENCE 


COPY   OF   LETTER   TO   GENERAL   KNOX 

Fort  Washington  July  8'^ —  1792 
Sir 

My  letter  to  you  of  the  fifth  inflent  ^  I  gave  into  the 
hand  of  M""  Vego  at  this  place  who  is  gon  down  to 
the  Rapids  with  an  intent  to  proceed  imediately  for 
Philadelphia  by  the  way  of  Lexington  where  I  expect 
this  letter  will  be  put  into  his  hands  — 

The  more  I  reflect  on  the  Subject,  the  more  I  am 
convinced,  that  it  will  be  best  to  proceed  with  the 
Indians  on  the  Wabash  &c  &c  in  the  maner  I  have 
hinted  in  my  letter  above  refered  to  and  as  far  as 
pofiable  detach  them  from  the  councils  &  Influenc  of 
the  other  Indians  but  I  think  it  will  not  be  necefsary 
and  prehaps  not  proper  to  Stipulate  an  annual  allow- 
ance of  goods  to  the  Wabafh  Indians  untill  a  purchas 
of  lands  be  made  which  I  concive  ought  not  to  be 
proposed  to  them  untill  the  contest  with  the  Shawone 
and  other  hostile  nations  is  ditermined  —  for  this  is 
the  argument  made  ufe  of  by  our  Enimies  (and  the 
only  one  that  would  prevail  on  the  Cheppaws  &  many 
other  tribes  to  Joyn  in  the  War)  and  which  is  contin- 
ually urged  on  the  Western  Indians  to  Joyne  in  the 
confederalie :  viz  the  Americans  are  after  your  lands 
they  mean  to  take  them  from  you  and  to  drive  you 
out  of  the  country :  I  am  informed  from  good  au- 
thorety  that  when  the  Dellawars  Wyandot  and  Sha- 
wones  first  invited  the  Chippawas  &  other  tribs  to 
Joyne  them  in  the  War,  they  anfwered  "for  why 
"  Should  we  go  to  war  we  have  no  quarel  with  the 
"  Americans  when  our  Farther  (meaning  the  King  of 
"  Great  Brittain)  was  at  war  and  called  on  us  to  Joyne 
"  him  against  a  Set  of  rebelious  Children  we  did  So. 

1  Page  273. 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        281 

"  but  our  Father  had  now  made  peace  with  his  Chil- 
"  dren  and  their  is  now  no  reafon  why  we  Should  g"o 
**  to  war  against  them,  it  will  be  enough  for  them 
"  [us]  to  go  to  war  against  the  Americans  when  our 
"  father  calls  on  us  again  —  but  you  Said  the  Chip- 
"  pawas   are  always  quareling  with  your  neighbors 

To  this  the  Dellawars  &  Wyandots  replyed  that 
"  the  thirteen  fires  ware  endevoring  to  take  their  lands 
"from  them,  that  they  challenged  the  whole  country 
"as  their  own,  that  they  (the  thirteen  fires)  had 
"  marked  out  to  them  a  Small  tract  for  hunting 
"  ground  on  which  they  could  not  live,  well  Sais  the 
"  Chippawas,  what  is  that  to  us  they  have  not  med- 
"  died  with  our  lands  and  why  Should  we  fight  for 
"  your  land  you  must  fight  your  Selves  for  them  and 
"defend  your  Country  their  is  reafon  you  Should, 
"  but  we  Shall  get  northing  by  it  if  we  joyn  in  the 
"  war.  its  better  therefore  that  we  mind  our  own  bufi- 
"  nefs  and  live  in  peace  — 

To  this  the  Dellawars  &c  could  find  no  anfwer  un- 
till  a  British  emmefary  whispered  in  their  ear  "  Tell 
"  them  that  when  the  Americans  have  conquored  you 
"  &  got  pofession  of  your  country ;  they  will  then 
"  take  theirs  alfo  for  that  is  their  intention  and  they 
"  will  never  rest  untill  they  have  got  the  whol."  "  ah, 
"  Replyed  the  others,  is  that  the  cafe  then  we  will  fight 
"  too  and  imediately  again  took  the  Tomhawk  from 
the  Dellawars  Wyandots  &  Shawones  who  first  moved 
in  the  bufmes  —  I  have  ben  the  more  perticuler  in 
relateing  this  anecdote  (which  is  a  fact  that  may  be 
relied  on)  becaufe  it  clearly  Shows  the  reafon  why  So 
many  Nations  are  drawn  into  the  War  against  us  that 
it  must  be  Somthing  more  then  mear  Britifli  influence, 
may  be  clearly  argued  from  their  being  a  greater 
number  engaged  in  the  prefent  contest  then  the  Brit- 


282        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

ish  Govermt  with  all  their  arts  ware  able  to  perfuaid 
to  take  up  the  hatchet  in  the  western  quarter  during 
the  late  war,  &  what  can  be  their  motive  but  the  fear 
of  loofeing  their  lands,  or  in  other  words  that  the 
Americans  intend  to  take  their  lands  from  them  when 
ever  they  Shall  think  proper  without  their  confent, 
agreably  to  the  Doctrine  of  the  Treaties  at  Fort  Mac- 
intofh  and  the  Big  Mami  [Miami]  it  is  therefore  in 
my  opinion  [?]  indispensably  nefsr}^  to  convince  the 
Western  Indians  as  Soon  as  pofiable  that  thefe  Sug- 
gestions are  falfe  and  Sence  they  will  not  agree  to 
com  to  Philadelphia,  or  even  Fort  Wafhington  the  [y] 
Should  be  treated  with  at  Vincennes  as  Soon  as  pofi- 
able 

in  confidence  that  a  Commifion  will  Soon  arrive 
impowering  Major  Hamtramack  [or]  Some  other 
perfon  to  hold  a  Treety  at  Vincenes  agreably  to  the 
Stipulations  he  has  made  with  thofe  Indians  a  part 
of  the  Indian  Goods  here  will  be  forwarded  with  the 
prifoners  to  Vincennes 

yesterday  a  Canoe  going  up  the  Ohio  to  Columbia 
at  two  mile  distenc  from  this  place  ware  attacked, 
one  man  killed  one  wounded  a  Boy  taken  prifoner  — 
a  woman  made  efcape  unhurt 

this  is  another  discourageing  circumflance  with 
refpect  to  my  hereing  from  Hendrick  in  the  way  ex- 
pected, and  with  Some  a  conclufive  evidence  that  the 
grand  council  is  brook  up  with  a  diterminat  [ion]  of 
Continuing  the  War.  but  I  doubt  this  for  their  has 
ben  Scarcely  time  Sence  the  Chiefs  of  the  Six  Nations 
left  Philadelphia  for  them  first  to  report  to  the  coun- 
cil that  was  to  meet  at  Buffaloe  and  then  for  the  De- 
puties to  come  forard  to  Tawa  River,  and  I  do  not 
beleve  that  under  all  circumflances  the  grand  Council 
at  the  Tawa  would  defide  on  the  bufinefs  and  brake 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        283 

up  before  the  Deputies  from  the  Seven  Caflles  and 
the  Six  Nations  had  had  an  oppertunity  to  Speak  their 
Sentiments  —  I  am  ditermined  to  Send  another 
Speech  to  the  BeHgerent  tribes  if  I  can  perfuade  any 
of  the  Wabafh  Indian  here  to  carry  it  —  I  have  Sev- 
eral reafons  for  makeing  this  attempt.  First  if  Some 
Bad  men  have  murdered  our  Mefsenge  [rs]  who  ware 
carrying  the  prefidents  Speech  —  althoe  the  Speech 
may  be  carried  to  the  Council,  they  may  confider  it 
as  not  properly  coming  before  them,  and  the  Chiefs 
may  be  in  doubt  whether  we  will  now  receve  a  Mef- 
sage  from  them  or  not  the  arrivel  of  a  new  Speech  I 
think  will  remove  this  doubt  althoe  I  mention  nor- 
thing of  the  rumour  I  have  heard  befides  by  a  Mefsage 
of  this  Sort  I  expect  to  afsertain  the  fact  whether  our 
Mefsengers  are  murdered  or  not  and  alfo  to  reduce 
the  matter  to  a  Certainty  whether  they  will  let  me 
Speak  with  them  or  not.  I  propose  to  remain  here  for 
the  prefent  as  it  is  uncertain  whether  any  Flag  will 
arrive  from  the  enimy  or  at  what  post  they  may  come 
in,  and  Should  Hendrick  arrive  at  Fort  Jefferson  as 

proposed,  I  Shall  have  notice  in  36  hours 

But  Suppofe  that  after  all  rational  means  is  ufed 
to  accommodate  this  bufmefs  by  treety  we  fail  in  the 
attempt  and  that  a  continuance  of  the  war  is  inevi- 
table, pardon  me  Sir  if  unasked  I  offer  Some  Senti- 
ments on  the  Subject.  M""  Hutchens  and  others  have 
Said  a  great  deal  about  the  good  Navigation  of  the 
Alleghena  River  &  French  Creek,  the  Big  Bever,  the 
Cayahoga,  &  Muskingum,  the  Hockhocking,  Sioto, 
&  Sanduskey,  the  Wabafh  &  Tawa  or  Miami  of  the 
lake,  and  it  is  true  that  they  are  all  very  fine  Rivers 
and  at  certain  Sealbns  many  of  them  afford  plenty  of 
water  to  float  Craft  of  very  confiderable  burden  for  a 
great  Distance,    but  the  fact  is  that  not  one  of  them 


284        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

will  Sen'-e  any  Valuable  purpus  for  transporting  by 
water  the  Bagage  Stores  &  provifion  of  an  army  for 
any  conliderable  distance,  toward  any  object  where 
govermt  can  pofsiably  mean  to  point  their  force  in 
any  offencive  opperation.  even  the  Ohio  at  Some 
Seafons  is  defecult  if  not  quite  impafsable  at  Some 
parts,  therefore  all  conliderable  movements  of  an 
army  between  the  Ohio  and  lake  Erie  Should  be  cal- 
culated to  be  by  land  —  (you  will  permit  me  to  Speak 
freely  I  know  you  will  not  be  ofended,  becaufe  my 
intention  is  good  and  I  write  with  the  utmost  defEer- 
ence)  to  eflablifh  a  Capital  post  at  the  Miami  Village 
with  a  proper  Number  of  intermediate  Stations  fuffi- 
cient  to  Secure  a  communication  from  Fort  Wafhing- 
ton  to  that  place  is  undoubtedly  an  object  to  be  per- 
feveared  in,  and  I  think  if  the  bufinef  is  conducted  in 
a  prudent  maner  may  be  effected  with  two  thoufand 
men  without  any  hazard  of  confiderable  lofs.  but 
to  Stop  here  will  by  no  means  induce  the  Indians  to 
treat,  it  will  be  rather  provokeing  then  distrefsing 
to  them,  nor  will  the  Territory  [?]  recive  any  confid- 
erable protection  thereby.  My  opinion  is  not  to  ad- 
vance any  farther  in  this  quarter  at  prefent,  but  to 
make  arrangement  for  carr  [y]  ing  a  line  of  Stations 
from  the  mouth  of  the  big  bever  on  the  Ohio  by 
way  of  the  Salt  Spring  to  the  mouth  of  Cuyahoga  on 
lake  Erie  where  I  would  build  a  Strong  Post  which  a 
garifon  of  200  men  would  be  able  to  defend  against 
all  the  Indians  in  the  world,  here  I  would  build 
Such  Water  Craft  as  Should  be  thought  necfsry  to 
transport  the  army  I  intended  to  make  ufe  of  this 
way  into  the  mouth  of  the  Tawa  River  as  far  as  the 
rapid  14  mile  up  or  to  Such  place  as  Should  be 
found  most  convenant  for  Ellablifhing  a  post  their 
(for  I  will  paun  my  reputation  upon  it,  if  from  the 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        285 

overturs  now  makeing  the  Indians  are  not  brought 
to  a  treaty  they  never  will  until!  you  eflablish  a  post 
in  the  mouth  of  the  Tawa  river  and  prevent  the 
British  agent  with  his  Emifaris  and  Indians  Coun- 
celing  their  togather,  or  in  the  Indian  language  put 
out  their  Council  Fire  in  that  place)  this  is  the  place 
where  every  year  the  British  agent  distributes  the 
annual  prefents  to  all  the  Nations  far  and  neer  inhab- 
iting the  Country  South  of  Lake  Erie  and  Westward 
beyond  the  Miami  villags  while  the  army  are  Build- 
ing the  fort  at  Cuyahoga  and  preparing  their  Water 
Craft  the  weflern  army  Should  proceed  with  cau- 
tion &  erecting  Stations  advance  toward  the  Miamy 
Villags  and  Eflablifh  them  Selvs  there  the  Indians 
Seeing  two  armys  advan[cin]g  in  different  direc- 
tions will  probably  be  deflratd  in  their  Councils, 
they  would  probably  confider  the  Country  of  Wyan- 
dots  Dellawars  and  Shawnes  as  lost  their  allies  will 
most  if  not  all  withdraw  themfelves  and  the  others 
Sue  for  peace  or  quit  their  Country  or  if  that  Should 
not  be  the  cafe  as  they  would  never  know  when  your 
army  would  move  nor  where  that  from  Cuyahoga 
would  Strike  could  never  be  able  to  prevent  them 
from  landing  and  by  works  Securing  them  Selvs 
against  ten  times  their  number,  nor,  Should  they 
Still  be  obflinate,  could  they  prevent  the  two  armies 
from  eflablifhing  a  line  of  communication  [?]  from 
the  mouth  of  the  Tawa  River  to  the  post  at  the 
Miami  villages  —  the  Security  that  Such  an  arang- 
[me]nt  would  give  to  all  the  Country  which  would 
be  theirby  encircled  as  well  as  to  the  Six  Nations 
and  the  Inhabitants  in  the  Vicinity  of  the  Alligany 
river  is  too  obvious  to  need  Ilustration  —  it  has  ben 
the  opinion  of  Some  that  a  post  Should  be  Eflab- 
lifhed  on  Lake  Erie  at  Prisquele  [Presque  Isle]  but 


286        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

I  am  by  no  means  of  that  opinion.  Becaufe  the  dis- 
tance is  much  greater  from  Pittsburgh  (or  from  any 
place  on  the  Allegena  to  which  water  Carriage  [?] 
is  always  certain)  to  Prifqueal  then  from  the  mouth 
of  Big  Bever  to  Cuyahoga  and  the  Country  much 
worfe  for  makeing  a  roade.  Indeed  from  Big  Bever 
to  Cuyahoga  the  country  is  very  level  and  except 
for  about  Seven  or  Eight  mile  very  dry  and  good 
for  a  road  while  the  other  is  very  hilly  a  greater 
part  of  the  way  and  for  1 5  mile  very  wet  —  Befides 
the  Distance  is  neerly  Double  from  Prisquele  to  the 
Tawa  as  from  ye  Cuyahoga  &  if  a  post  is  made  at 
Prisquele  their  must  be  a  nother  at  Cuyahoge,  for 
Such  is  the  Nature  of  the  Navagation  of  Lake  Erie 
efpecially  for  Some  Distance  west  from  the  mouth  of 
Cuyehoga  that  Boats  or  vefsels  must  always  put  in 
at  Cuyahoga  in  their  pafsage  westward  ;  and  wait  a 
favorable  time  of  wind  and  wether  to  pafs  the  Rockey 
Shore  which  extends  Some  miles  west  of  this  River 
(which  is  defcribed  by  this  mark  X,  on  Hutchens 
Map)  after  pafs[ing]  thefe  rocks  the  Shore  is  good 
and  harbours  numerous  and  Safe,  on  the  west  bank 
of  Cuyahoga  is  a  rifeing  ground  from  whence  the 
Country  about  is  Commanded  as  well  as  the  entrence 
into  the  River,  which  is  Deep  &  navigable  for  Vef- 
sels of  confiderable  Burthen  Seven  or  Eight  mile  up 
—  the  rout  from  the  mouth  of  Bever  Creek  I  expect 
will  be  on  the  weft  Sid  untill  we  are  two  or  prehaps 
three  mile  above  Kifhkuske  where  is  a  ford  and 
water  Shallow  and  here  I  expect  would  be  the  first 
Station.  25  mile  from  thence  the  rout  will  be  part  on 
the  North  Side  of  the  Creek  &  part  of  the  way  on  the 
S  pafsing  neer  Salt  Lick  &  Mohoning  villags  to  crofs 
the  Cayahoga  about  10  miles  from  its  mouth,  the 
number  of   intermediate  posts  will  Depend  on  the 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        287 

Distance  it  Shall  be  though  [t]  proper  to  place  them 
from  each  other  alowing  about  20  mile  to  be  a  pro- 
per distance  then  four  only  will  be  required  viz  one 
at  crofsing  the  Bevor  above  Kifhkuske  one  where 
we  crofs  the  Cuyahoga  and  two  between.  I  beleve 
this  to  be  the  nearest  and  best  rout  by  which  a  com- 
munication can  be  opened  between  the  ohio  River 
and  lake  Erie  without  having  reguard  to  water  navi- 
gation, which  whoever  depends  on  will  find  them 
Selves  decived ;  —  althoe  I  doubt  not  but  at  Some 
Seasons  considerable  advantage  may  be  derived 
from  water  carage  on  Most  of  the  Rivers  mentioned, 
and  I  beleve  the  Big  Bever  and  Cayahoga  may 
Some  times  be  made  a  good  ufe  of  for  that  purpos  — 
The  facts  I  have  mentioned  in  this  Statement  I 
beleve  may  be  relied  on  I  have  them  from  a  Gentle- 
man of  Judgment  and  undoubted  Verafety  who  has 
had  full  oppertunty  to  examin  the  country  not  only 
on  the  rout  from  big  Bever  to  Cayahoga  but  has  alfo 
traveled  by  many  diffrnt  roads  from  the  Big  Bever 
to  Sandusky  and  Detroit  and  is  fully  acquainted 
with  all  the  Streams  that  make  a  part  of  the  Muskin- 
gum River  as  well  as  the  Southern  Shore  of  Lake 
Erie  and  all  the  Streams  that  fall  into  it  between 
Cayahoga  &  Detroit  —  in  Some  part  of  this  rout  the 
country  is  open  in  other  parts  are  thickets  of  Brufh 
to  Cut  out  but  the  principle  defeculty  is  a  Swamp  & 
Wet  ground  for  Seven  or  Eight  mile  the  greatest 
part  of  which  must  be  caufwayed,  but  I  am  told  that 
timber  is  handy  &  plenty  and  if  So  one  man  will 
eafily  make  one  rod  in  a  day  and  alowing  640  men 
can  be  well  employed  they  will  make  this  part  of  the 
road  in  4  days  however  if  it  Should  happen  to  be  a 
dry  fall  its  doubtfull  if  one  fouth  part  of  the  distance 
mentioned  will  require  Bridging  in  the  first  move- 


288        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

ment  of  the  army  I  would  be  underflood  that  when 
I  Speek  of  makeing  a  good  road  I  mean  a  Waggon 
road,  there  is  now  a  Pack  horse  path  the  whole  dis- 
tance which  has  ben  much  ufed  by  Indian  War  par- 
ties —  by  this  rout  all  Kind  of  provisions  except,  Beef 
from  Kentuckey  can  be  Transported  cheaper  to  the 
Miami  Village  then  through  any  other  Chanel  and 
from  there  conveyed  down  the  Wabafh  or  toward 
Lake  Michagan  and  Into  the  upper  part  of  the  Illinoi 
Country  to  Supply  any  garrisons  which  govermt 
may  think  proper  to  ellablifh  in  that  quarter  for  the 
protection  of  the  Frindly  Tribes  and  Security  of 
Traders  that  may  be  Sent  among  them  to  this  may 
be  aded  the  Supply  of  the  post  at  Detroit  whenever 
we  Shall  be  in  pofsestion  of  it 

If  the  propofition  Should  meet  with  approbation 
meafures  for  carrying  it  into  Execution  cannot  be 
too  Soon  adopted,  for  althoe  the  Seafon  will  be  too 
far  advanced  before  the  event  of  the  prefent  over- 
tures now  makeing  to  the  Enimy  is  known  to  admit 
of  any  offencive  opperations  of  confequence  in  this 
quarter,  yet  I  concive  it  will  not  be  the  cafe  with 
refpect  to  the  plan  I  have  proposed. 

I  can  See  no  objection  aganst  makeing  an  Eflab- 
lifhment  at  the  Big-Beaver  (where  we  have  long  had 
a  post)  even  while  our  negotiations  are  depending. 
Under  this  Idea  then  I  would  propofe  that  the  Troops 
as  they  arrive  at  pittsburgh  Should  be  Sent  down 
to  that  place  that  the  works  their  be  repaird  and 
extended  in  a  proper  maner  and  Maggazeans  of  pro- 
vifions  Forrage  &c  &c  &c  Collected,  for  the  expi- 
dition.  this  cannot  probably  be  compleated  untill 
October  before  that  time  I  trust  it  will  be  know  [n] 
whether  we  Shall  have  a  Treety  with  thefe  fellows 
or  not :  if  they  agree  on  a  treaty  it  is  probable  they 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        289 

will  be  as  willing  to  hold  it  Somewhere  on  the  Bever 
Creek,  or  at  the  mouth  of  Cuyahoga  as  at  any  other 
place,  and  in  that  cafe  they  can  have  no  objection 
to  a  road  being  made  for  Transporting  the  goods  to 
Cayahoga.  at  all  events  whenever  we  make  peace 
with  them  whatever  we  relinquifh  in  other  refpects, 
we  must  infist  on  Eflablifhing  our  Selvs  at  Cayahoga, 
for  the  purpos  of  Supplying  them  with  goods,  to  be 
delivered  their  or  farther  westward  So  that  the  work 
proposed  at  the  Big-Beaver  will  not  be  lost  provided 
we  come  to  a  treaty,  and  if  we  are  to  have  no  treaty 
we  Shall  be  ready  to  execute  the  plan  by  force  and 
in  that  cafe  if  [we]  are  ready  to  move  by  the  15  of 
September  or  even  the  first  of  October  I  think  we 
may  Saifly  venture  on  the  Expidition.  for  allowing 
16  days  to  erect  the  four  Stations  4  days  to  make 
the  caufway  and  that  we  cut  our  road  and  March  5 
mile  a  day  we  fhall  reach  Cayahoga  in  40  days  but 
I  have  no  doubt  but  we  fhall  be  able  to  reach  Caya- 
hoga in  half  that  time  about  the  time  intended  for 
the  army  leveing  the  post  at  Big  bever  the  Enimy 
may  be  menased  from  this  quarter,  and  as  they  will 
not  be  alarmed  at  Seeing  you  posted  at  Big  Beaver 
the  army  would  probably  reach  Cuyahoga  before 
they  could  pofsiably  be  in  a  Situation  to  oppose  them 
and  at  the  Same  [Time]  a  Body  of  Volunteer  Militia 
might  be  Sent  out  from  Buffaloe  on  Croffords  rout 
toward  Sanduskey. 

the  Meafure  I  beleve  will  be  very  populer  with 
Ohio  County  and  all  the  Western  part  of  Pennfyl- 
vania  which  will  greatly  facilitate  the  Bufmefs.  For- 
rage  for  any  number  of  Horfes  may  be  brought  to 
this  place  with  little  expence  and  if  the  body  of  Fed- 
eral Troops  which  may  be  raised  by  the  time  and 
Spaired  for  the  purpos  Should    be  thought  infuffi- 


290        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

dent  I  have  no  doubt  but  an  ample  Supply  of  good 
rifle  men  would  voluntarily  engage  in  the  expidition, 
a  Sufficient  number  of  whome  live  within  three  days 
march  of  the  Spot  — 

on  the  whole  I  have  no  Doubt  but  we  may  with- 
out any  unreafonable  hazord  eftablifh  our  Selvs  at 
Cayahoga  by  the  Seting  in  of  winter  and  that  by 
the  first  of  May  if  not  before,  a  Sufficient  number  of 
boats  may  be  built  for  Transporting  the  army  into 
the  Tawa  River  But  Should  the  fall  prove  unfavora- 
ble and  we  could  advance  only  part  of  the  way  yet 
I  think  the  object  ought  to  be  purfud,  as  we  should 
by  that  means  be  able  to  commence  the  operations 
of  next  year  much  earlier  befides  that  I  think  this  is 
the  bell  mode  of  carrying  on  the  war.  the  Sooner  we 
Show  our  Selves  on  the  bank  of  Lake  Erie  the  better. 
Such  an  apperance  will  be  a  conviction  to  the  In- 
dians that  many  things  which  British  immafaris  have 
tole  'them  is  falfe  and  being  convinced  that  Some 
things  are  not  true  they  may  be  led  to  Disbeleve  the 
reft  — 

COPY   OF   LETTER   TO   GENERAL    KNOX 

Fort  Washington  July  9th  1792 
Sir 

Whether  the  plan  of  makeing  an  EUablifhment  at 
the  Cayahoga  as  proposed  in  my  letter  of  yesterday  ^ 
be  adopted  or  not,  I  beg  leve  to  Suggest  the  pro- 
priety of  fixing  a  post  Some  where  on  the  Muskin- 
gum River  to  be  occupyed  by  about  one  Company 
of  Musket  men  &  two  Companys  Riffelmen.  they 
Should  be  employed  in  Scouting  up  the  Muskingum 
and  to  wards  the  Hockhocking.  they  would  be  a 
great  protection  to  Ohio  County  and  Wafhington  in 
Pennfylviania,  as  well  as  the  Settlements  on  the  Mus- 
kingum and  the  inhabitants  on  both  Sides  of  the  Ohio 

'  Page  280. 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        291 

as  far  down  as  Bellevill,  from  whence  their  is  no  Set- 
tlement untill  we  come  to  the  Great  Kenhawa.  untill 
offencive  opperation  are  ditermined  on  thefe  Troops 
Should  be  posted  at  the  Waterford  Station  twenty 
three  mile  by  water  up  the  Muskingum  and  about 
14  by  land  — 

afterward  they  Should  be  Sent  farther  up  the  river 
if  practicable  to  Supply  them  with  provifion  they 
Should  [be]  fixed  at  the  mouth  of  Licking  and  the 
defeculty  of  Supply  here  is  the  refque  only  for  loaded 
boats  may  go  ther  at  almost  any  Seafon  — 

thefe  troops  on  the  advance  of  the  Militia  toward 
Sandusky  Should  Joyne  them  on  the  March  and  after 
alarmi  [n]  g  Sandusky  in  [if]  necessary  may  fall  away 
N  Eastward  and  Joyn  the  army 

COPY   OF    A    LETTER   TO   GENi-   WAYNE 

Fort  Washington  July  ioti>  1792 
Dear  General 

I  am  Inllructed  by  the  Secretary  at  War, "to  keep 
"  you  conflantly  Informed  of  my  progrefs  and  pros- 
"  pects  relative  to  the  treaty  which  I  am  Indevoring 
"  to  bring  about.  I  prefume  that  you  are  fully  ac- 
quainted that  Capt  Hendrick  of  the  Stockbridge 
tribe  left  Philadelphia  in  the  month  of  May  with  a 
defigne  to  repair  to  the  grand  Council  of  Indians 
Supposed  to  be  then  Setting  or  about  to  convean 
on  the  Oma,  or  Tawa  River,  and  from  thence  was 
to  come  to  Fort  Jefferson  to  conduct  me  to  the  In- 
dian Council  provided  they  Should  agree  to  the 
meafure.  —  I  wrote  you  from  Marietta  the  23^  ult,^ 
I  left  that  place  the  26*^  and  arrived  here  the  2'^  In- 
flent,  where  I  learned  that  on  the  25*^  ult  a  party  of 
neer  100  Indians  attacked  a  party  of  hay  makers  neer 
Fort  Jefferson  When  the[y]  killed  &  took  16,  foure 

1  Page  271. 


292        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

dead  Bodies  only  were  afterward  found  on  the  "j^^ 
Inflent  one  man  was  killed  one  wounded  and  a  lad 
takin  prifoner  about  three  mile  from  this  pice  as  they 
were  afcending  the  Ohio,  thefe  events  are  by  no 
means  flattering  to  my  hopes,  and  befides  we  have 
a  report  from  the  Wabafh  brought  in  from  ouiata- 
non  the  Miami  or  oma  Indians  had  killed  4  men 
going  from  one  of  our  Forts  with  a  Flag  which  if 
true,. it  is  Supposed  must  be  Major  Truman  and  Col" 
Harden  however  this  report  wants  confermation,  and 
Some  Wabafh  Indians  tell  us  the  War  Club  left  by 
the  party  who  did  the  Mifchef  at  Fort  Jefferson  be- 
longs to  the  Charokees,  a  Baditte  of  out  Calls  that 
live  on  the  oma  River  but  not  admited  into  the  Na- 
tional Councils ;  but  are  fit  Inflrumnts  for  Britifh 
Emmeferis  to  make  ufe  of  if  posiable  to  prevent  a 
treaty —  I  propofe  to  remain  here  for  the  prefent 
and  Shall  write  you  by  every  oppertunity  and  Should 
the  wifhed  for  Capt  Hendrick  arrive  I  will  by  exprefs 
give  you  notice  as  Soon  as  pofiable 

COPY   OF   A   LETTER   TO   GEN^   KNOX 

Fort  Washington  July  ii'ii  1792 
Sir 

Sence  my  arrivel  her  on  the  2'^  Inllent,  I  have  for- 
warded three  letter  to  [you] ,  via-Kentucke  dated  the 
^th  gth  &  Qth  Inllent  ^  in  which  I  informed  you  that  on 
the  25*^^  ulti'"  about  one  hundred  Indians  attacked  a 
party  of  Haymakers  neer  Fort  Jefferson  that  four  dead 
bodies  had  be  [en]  found  and  12  ware  mifsing  —  that 
Some  of  the  Wabafh  Indians  had  reported  to  Major 
Hamtramick,  that  four  men  going  from  one  of  our 
Forts  with  a  Flag  and  a  Speech  to  the  Indians  had 
ben  killed  &c  &c  which  if  true  it  was  apprehended 
it  mufl  be  Major  Truman  &  Col°  Harden  — 

1  Pages  273,  280,  290. 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        293 

That  by  Major  Hamtramicks  letters  to  Gen^  Wil- 
knson  and  information  recived  from  M*"  Vego  and 
Some  other  Gentlemen  from  Vincennes  the  Intention 
of  the  Wabafh  Indians  appeared  Doubtfull.  that  they 
objected  Strongly  against  coming  to  Fort  Wafhing- 
ton  to  treat  and  that  it  was  my  opinion  they  could 
not  be  prevailed  with  to  come  to  Philadelphia  at  pre- 
fent.  that  it  was  my  decided  opinion  they  ought  to 
be  treated  with  at  Vincennes  agreably  to  the  Stipu- 
lation made  with  them  by  Major  Hamtramick  and  in 
this  way  it  was  probable  they  might  be  detached  from 
the  more  hostile  tribs  —  that  in  Confident  expectation 
a  Commifion  would  Soon  arrive  to  inable  Major 
Hamtramick  or  Some  other  perfon  to  treet  with  thefe 
peopel  in  the  fullell  maner  a  part  of  the  Goods  now 
here  would  be  forwarded  to  Vincennes  for  the  pur- 
pos  — 

Sence  writeing  my  last  letter  Genl  Wilkenfon  and 
Col°  Sargent,  have  recived  letters  from  Vincennes  and 
the  County  of  S*  Clair,  which  further  confirms  me  in 
the  opinion  that  if  the  Indians  on  the  Wabafh  and 
Illanoi  Rivers  are  properly  attended  to  they  may  be 
prevented  Joyning  or  detached  from  the  hostile  tribs 
and  prehaps  if  necefsary  be  brought  to  Joyn  the  arms 
of  the  United  States  — 

In  my  letter  of  the  Eighth  inflent  I  ventured  to 
propose  a  plan  of  opening  a  communication  from  the 
mouth  of  the  Big  Beaver  on  the  Ohio  to  the  mouth 
of  Cayahoga  on  Lake  Erie.  I  may  be  thought  very 
officious  but  you  will  pardon  me  Sir  I  am,  not  only 
as  a  Servent  of  the  public  but  as  a  Citizen  of  this 
Country,  deeply  Intrested  in  bringing  this  war  to  a 
Speedy  Ifsue,  and  I  am  cleerly  of  opinion  that  we 
can  have  no  lafting  peace  with  the  Indians  untill  the 
United  States  eftablifh  them  Selves  on  Lake  Erie  and 


294        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

in  the  Oma  or  Tawa  River,  and  that  was  this  once 
don  the  war  with  them  would  be  at  an  end  whether 
the  garifon  at  Detroit  ware  given  up  or  not.  that  you 
would  have  very  little  or  no  further  ocation  for  troops 
on  the  ohio  River  or  the  intermediate  Stations  be- 
tween Fort  Walhington  and  the  Mami  [Miami]  Vil- 
lage that  goverment  giving  unequivocal  evidence 
to  the  Indians  that  they  would  never  lay  claim  to  any 
of  their  lands  but  on  the  foot  of  fair  purchafe  they 
would  have  no  objection  to  your  Eflablifhing  posts  on 
the  Oma  or  Tawa  River  &  in  the  Wabafh  and  Illinoi 
Countrys  for  their  protection  and  the  protection  of 
your  trade  with  them.  — 

It  may  be  objected  that  by  Divideing  our  Force 
Succefs  can  not  be  enfured  in  either  quarter  this  must 
depend  on  many  circumflances.  I  would  refque  my 
reputation  on  eflablifhing  my  Self  at  the  Cayahoga 
with  the  force  of  one  Sub  Legion  I  anfwer  if  Succefs 
cannot  be  enfured,  Defeat  may  be  prevented  by  a  pro- 
per attention  an  army  of  one  thoufand  Musket  men 
may  in  four  hours  put  them  felvs  in  a  Situation  that 
an  equel  number  of  Indians  could  not  dislodge  them, 
and  if  proper  care  was  taken  by  haveing  good  wood- 
men and  runers  imployed,  a  body  of  one  hundred 
Indians  could  not  approach  an  army  on  their  march 
without  discovery  in  time  Sufficient  to  be  prepaired 
for  them  — 

But  prehaps  Such  a  meafure  will  be  alarmig  to  the 
Post  at  Detroit,  may  bring  on  a  British  war  and  by 
their  Water  Craft  on  Lake  Erie  they  will  prevent 
your  pafsage  from  Cayahoge  to  the  Tawa  &  Cut  off 
all  Supplys  of  provifions  Sent  that  way.  If  this  be  the 
Cafe  it  is  better  the  Nation  knew  it  for  if  the  Britifh 
mean  to  oppose  our  protecting  our  Selves  against  the 
Savages  the  buiiness  had  better  be  given  up.    if  the 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        295 

British  really  mean  to  Support  the  Indians  in  this  war 
the  united  States  ought  to  meet  them  on  lake  Erie 
and  oppose  force  to  force,  or  give  up  the  Idea  of  pof- 
sefsing  our  Selves  of  the  Miami  Village,  for  as  I  ob- 
ferved  in  my  former  letter  "  to  Stop  here  will  rather 
•'  provoke  then  distrefs  the  Enimy  nor  will  the  fron- 
"  tiers  recive  any  confiderable  protection  their  by. 
Indeed  ware  your  polls  (at  the  distance  they  now 
are  from  Fort  Wafhington  to  Fort  Jefferson)  extended 
to  the  Miami  Village  and  from  there  to  the  mouth  of 
the  oma  or  Tawa  River,  the  inhabitants  on  the  Fron- 
tiers would  recive  very  little  protection  their  by  while 
the  Chippawas  and  other  tribes  in  their  Birch  Canoes 
are  able  to  coast  the  West  End  and  South  Shore  of 
Lake  Erie  at  pleafure  and  the  British  water  Craft  are 
continually  made  ufe  of  by  the  Indian  parties  coming 
Down  the  lake  for  War  — 

Befides  if  you  depend  on  Supplying  the  posts  at  the 
Miami  Village  and  thofe  you  Shall  Eflablifh  on  the 
oma  or  Tawa  River  with  provifions  from  Fort  Wafh- 
ington you  may  probably  be  disappointed,  it  has  ben 
and  allways  will  be  in  the  power  of  the  Indians  to  cut 
off  your  Convois  pafsing  that  way.  had  Govenor  S* 
Clair  taken  quiet  pofsestion  of  the  Miami  Village  last 
fall,  if  the  Indians  had  don  their  duty  he  must  have 
Starved  in  one  month  and  was  your  army  their  now 
it  is  in  the  power  of  500  Indians  to  Starve  them  in  a 
short  time  — 

LETTER   TO   GEN'-    KNOX 

Fort  Washington  July  141^  1792 
Sir 

Capt  Armllrong  the  Commanding  officer  at  Fort 
Hamilton  in  his  letter  to  Gen'  Wilkinson  of  yesterday 
writes  thus  "one  man  of  the  is*  Reg*  taken  prifoner 


296        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

"on  the  19*^  of  October  1791  when  under  my  Com- 
"  mand  and  one  on  the  4*^^  of  November  after  our 
"  late  defeat,  have  reached  this  post  they  made  their 
*'  efcape  from  an  Indian  Village  on  the  St  Jofeph  50 
"  miles  above  the  Miami,  pafsed  that  place  and  early 
"  the  next^day  reached  Jefferson  they  came  through 
"  the  place  where  our  army  was  defeated  &  can  no 
"  doubt  give  you  much  information.  Three  different 
"  Flaggs  from  us  have  ben  recived  at  the  Glaze  River 
"  —  when  the  Mefengers  were  Tomhawked  and 
**  thrown  into  the  water,  the  last  was  a  great  Captain 
(I  Suppose  poor  Truman) 

from  this  ace*  it  Seemes  northing  but  War  is  to  be 
expected  from  the  Indians  collected  at  the  Grand 
Council  on  the  Oma,  or  Tawa,  River,  that  our  only 
prospect  of  effecting  any  thing  by  way  of  treaty  is 
with  the  more  Western  Tribes,  my  opinion  with  re- 
fpect  to  them  I  have  exprefsed  in  my  letters  of  the 
^th  8t^  &  II  inilenti  — 

the  Interpreter  who  (I  informed  you  in  my  letter  of 
the  5*^)  was  Sent  for  to  Kentucke  arrived  last  even- 
ing, he  is  a  young  man  of  a  refpectable  family  by  the 
name  of  Wells,  he  tells  me  he  was  taken  prifoner  at 
the  age  of  about  thirteen  and  has  ben  with  the  Eel 
River  Indians  between  Eight  and  nine  year  he  was 
adopted  in  the  Tribe  and  in  the  family  of  one  of  the 
Chiefs  was  at  perfect  liberty  to  go  were  he  pleafed 
and  meeting  with  his  Brother  at  Fort  Knox  about  the 
1 7***  of  June  last  he  came  home  with  him  he  appears 
to  be  a  young  man  of  good  natural  abilities  and  of  an 
agreable  disposition  ;  I  propose  to  employ  him  as  an 
interpreter  and  have  encouraged  him  to  hope  that  if 
he  is  found  capable  and  faithfull  he  will  be  continued 
in  that  bufmefs  —  M""  Wells  thinks  that  the  Weya  and 

^  Pages  273,  280,  292. 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        297 

Eel  River  Indians  are  disposed  for  peace  that  they 
Say  that  is  their  wifh,  but  they  are  great  Hers  and  he 
cannot  anfwer  for  their  intention,  that  the  great  Chiefs 
of  the  Eel  River  Tribe  when  he  came  away  was  gon 
to  See  the  Shawones  and  Dellawares  and  know  what 
their  intentions  was  concerning  the  war 

M''  Wells  gives  me  reafon  to  hope  that  Some  more 
of  the  Wabafh  Chiefs  will  arrive  here  in  two  or  three 
weeks,  and  if  they  Should  prehaps  it  may  give  an 
opening  for  a  Treaty  and  through  their  influence  a 
greet  number  of  Indians  in  the  Western  quarter, 
may  be  drawn  togather  at  Vincennes,  agreably  to 
the  plan  I  have  before  recomended  in  which  cafe  a 
quantety  of  provision  will  be  necefsry  to  be  furnifhed 
at  that  place  for  the  purpos  which  circumflance  can- 
not be  too  early  attended  to 

the  prifoner  who  have  made  their  efcape  from  the 
Indians  and  are  now  at  Fort  Hammilton  will  be  here 
in  a  few  days,  after  the  examination  of  whome  I 
hope  a  more  certain  opinion  of  the  Indian  Bufmefs 
in  the  North  may  be  formed  then  at  prefent 

SPEECH    OF    THE    INDIANS  — 

July  19th  1792 

The  following  is  the  Substance  of  a  Speech  De- 
livered this  day  by  one  of  the  Weya  men,  as  inter- 
preted by  M"^  Wells 


Companion  or  confident  friend,  I  call  you  fo  be- 
caufe  brothers  may  Sometimes  differ  but  companions 
never  do. 

I  am  no  Cheif ;  nor  do  I  know  well  how  to  Speek, 
this  man  (pointing  to  one  Setting  by)  is  a  Cheif  but 
not  a  great  Cheif  nor  can  he  Speek  ;  the  man  who 


298        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

is  dead  was  a  Cheif,  but  not  the  Greatest  Cheif,  and 
Could  Speek  well 

I  fear  thefe  women  and  Children  will  all  die  if  they 
remain  here  much  longer.  I  pray  you  will  take  us 
all,  along"  to  the  O  post  as  Soon  as  pofsiable.  I  fear 
very  few  of  our  Cheifs  if  any  will  come  to  this  place ; 
but  a  great  many  Cheifs  will  meet  you,  there,  who 
can  Speek  well.  I  pray  therefore  that  you  will  go 
along  with  us  to  the  O  post  as  Soon  as  pofsiable 

a  String  of  Wampum 

ANSWER   TO    INDIAN   SPEECH  — 

July  20th  I  7^2 

Brother ! 

You  call  me  confident  friend,  which  Name  is  very 
exprefsive.  (good)  But  I  wish  us  to  retain  the  Name 
of  Brother,  since  we  were  born  on  one  Island,  and 
are  of  one  Family,  'tis  true.  Brothers  may  sometimes 
differ,  yet  they  soon  unite  again  — 
Brother. 

I  feel  Sorry  for  the  lofs  of  Your  Chieff  who  was  a 
great  Man  &  a  good  Speaker,  &  who  was  to  transact 
the  Buifmefs  between  You  &  me.  You  spoke  to  me 
Yesterday  with  Tears  in  Your  Eyes  ;  yet  I  under- 
stood You.  I  cant  say  all  to  You  this  time  what  I 
wish  to  say,  but  when  our  mourning  shall  have 
ceased  a  little  I  shall  be  able  to  speak  cheerfully.  — 
Brother 

I  wish  to  make  You  happy  in  every  respect.  Your 
Woemen  &  Chilldren  are  under  my  care  &  Protec- 
tion, &  I  am  making  the  necefsary  arrangements  for 
our  Journey  to  the  O  Post,  where  I  hope  &  expect 
to  see  all  Your  Chieffs  &  great  Men.  There  to  con- 
sult on,  &  make  a  lasting  Peace  between  the  Indian 
Tribes  inhabiting  the  Wabash  Country  &  the  People 


OFFICIAL  CORRESPONDENCE        299 

of  the  United  States  (or  the  13  great  Fires)    In  30, 
Days  I  shall  be  ready  to  set  out  with  You 

COPY  OF  A  LETTER  TO  GEN"-  WILKINSON 

Fort  Washington  July  21st  1792 
Sir 

So  much  time  haveing  elapsed  Sence  Some  of  the 
Mefsengers  Sent  to  the  Indians  on  the  Oma,  orTawa 
River  ought  to  have  returned,  had  they  ben  recived 
in  a  frindly  maner ;  or  that  Capt  Hendrick  Should 
have  arrived  at  Fort  Jefferfon  had  he  Succeeded  in 
his  mifsion,  togather  with  the  information  of  the 
murder  of  the  people  of  three  flags  Sent  from  this 
place,  renders  it  morally  certain  that  the  great  coun- 
cil met  on  the  Tawa  river,  have  rejected  the  overture 
made  to  them  by  the  United  States  in  the  Several 
Speeches  and  Mefsages  Sent  them  and  that  the 
prospect  of  my  Specking  with  thofe  Indians  through 
the  chanel  first  proposed  is  at  an  end  — 

And  From  the  information  recived  from  the  Wa- 
bafh  I  concive  their  is  very  little  refon  to  expect  any 
more  of  the  Chiefs  from  that  Quartr  to  arrive  here, 
or  if  they  Should,  they  will  be  of  the  inferior  grades 
and  a  Treaty  with  them  will  be  of  no  confequence. 
while  on  the  other  hand  it  appears  highly  probable 
that  the  principle  chiefs  from  nearly  all  the  western 
tribs,  with  a  great  number  of  warriours  and  others 
may  be  collected  at  Vincennes  and  by  a  proper 
management  may  be  detached  from  thofe  tribs  which 
have  oreginated  the  war  and  keept  in  a  State  of 
peace,  which  if  it  can  be  effected  must  be  of  very 
efential  Service  to  the  United  States,  befides  it  ap- 
pears to  me  that  this  is  the  only  remaining  chanel 
by  which  their  is  any  prospect  that  I  Shall  be  able  to 
Speek  with  the  more  Hostile  tribs.    thefe  confidera- 


300        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

tions  have  induced  me  to  form  the  refolution  of  go- 
ing to  Vincennes  as  Soon  as  circumllancs  will  per- 
mit. I  have  therefore  to  request  that  an  Efcort  may 
be  provided  and  other  arrangements  made  to  enable 
me  to  leve  this  with  Indian  goods,  the  prifoners  & 
other  Indian  [s]  now  here  in  three  or  four  weeks  at 
farthest  as  it  is  of  great  importance  to  meet  the 
Indians  in  council  before  the  hunting  Seafon  com- 
mences — 

letter  from  genl  wilkinson 

Fort  Washington 
July  2 1  St  1792 
6  o  Clock  p.  M. 
Sir 

I  beg  pardon  for  not  answering  your  Letter  of  this 
date^  sooner — a  variety  of  Engagements  must  be 
my  apology  — 

The  deductions  which  you  formd,  upon  the  mani- 
fest spirit  &  temper  of  the  Savage  Bands  resident  on 
the  Tawa  or  Omee  River,  appear  to  me  to  be  well 
grounded,  and  will,  I  flatter  myself,  justify  your  de- 
termination in  favor  of  a  movement  to  F*  Vincennes 
where  I  am  sanguine,  your  presence  &  your  negotia- 
tions seasonably  applied,  may  be  productive  of  the 
best  Effects.  — 

I  accord  with  you  in  the  Idea,  that  the  captive 
Indians  now  at  this  Post,  &  their  visitants,  should 
accompany  you,  but  I  am  also  of  opinion,  that  the 
former  should  be  made  instrumental,  to  a  general 
Convention  of  the  Nations  in  that  Quarter,  and  that 
thofe  of  the  Eel  River  Tribe  should  not  be  released, 
until  the  Body  of  that  Tribe  are  brought  to  an  Ami- 
cable Interview.  — 

I  shall  with  the  utmost  alacrity,  make  every  prac- 

1  Page  299. 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        301 

ticable  exertion  for  the  accommodation  of  the  move- 
ment you  propose,  &  flatter  myself  I  shall  be  able  to 
arrange  to  your  satisfaction  ;  But  to  enable  me  to  do 
this,  I  must  beg  the  favor  of  you,  to  furnish  me  the 
following  Estimates.    Viz. 

i^*   The  strength  of  the  Escort  you  require  — 

2"diy  xhe  species  &  quantity  of  Provisions  for  the 
Voyage   —  and 

^rdiy  'pj^g  quantum  of  Rations  which  may  eventu- 
ally become  necefsary  to  the  subsistence  of  the  Sav- 
ages who  may  be  drawn  into  the  conference.  — 

I  shall  be  happy  to  receive  thefe  last  Estimates, 
as  soon  as  may  suit  your  convenience,  that  I  may 
ifsue  the  necefsary  ordors  to  the  Contractors,  and 
I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  deference  &  Esteem, 
Sir 

Your  most  obed. 

Hble  Servt 

JA.  Wilkinson 
Brig""  Gen^  Putnam 

COPY    OF   A    LETTER   TO   GEN''   KNOX 

Fort  Washington  July  22d  1792 
Sir 

the  prifoners  I  mentioned  in  my  letter  of  the  14**'  ^ 
as  haveing  efscaped  from  the  Indians  and  being  then 
at  Fort  Hamilton,  have  Sence  arrived  here,  and  by 
the  information  they  give,  I  think  their  is  the  highest 
reafon  to  beleve  that  Freeman  —  Truman,  and  Har- 
den ^  are  all  murdered,  and  all  the  people  who  went 
with  them  except  one  whome  they  confidered  as  a 

1  Page  295. 

2  Freeman  was  a  messenger  to  the  Indians  on  the  Maumee,  sent  out  in 
April  by  General  Wilkinson.  Colonel  John  Hardin  was  the  companion 
of  Major  Alexander  Trueman,  who  bore  a  speech  to  the  hostile  Indians 
from  the  President.    These  three  messengers  were  killed. 


302        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

Servent,  or  perfon  of  no  confequence  and  for  that 
reafon  Spaired  his  Hfe.  and  if  the  Squaw  told  true  it 
Seems  that  Truman  must  be  murdered  by  ordor  of 
the  council,  &  as  a  confermation  of  their  refolution 
not  to  make  peace  and  when  I  add  to  this  the  circum- 
llance  that  I  hear  northing  of  Capt-Hendrick  I  con- 
clude, the  .Indians  met  on  the  Oma,  or  Tawa  river 
have  rejected  the  [o]vertures  made  them  by  the 
United  States  in  the  Several  Speeches  Sent  them, 
and  that  the  prospect  of  my  specking  with  them 
through  the  channel  first  proposed  is  at  an  end. 
from  the  information  recived  from  the  wabafh  men- 
tioned in  my  former  letter  togather  with  information 
rec[iv]ed  from  M'"  Wells  the  Interpreter  &  the  In- 
dians who  are  now  here  on  a  vifit  to  their  families  I 
concive  their  is  very  little  reafon  to  expect  any  more 
of  the  Chiefs  from  that  quarter  to  arrive  here  or  if 
they  Should  they  will  be  of  inferior  Grades  and  a 
treaty  with  them  will  be  of  no  confequence  —  from 
all  these  circumllancs  I  conclude  that  my  tarrying  at 
this  place  much  longer  can  be  of  no  Service  what- 
ever   except  to  receve  your  f urthr  ordors  which 

I  certainly  Should  do  or  return  up  the  river  but  for 
the  following  reafons  viz  It  appearing  highly  prob- 
able, that  the  principle  Chiefs  from  neerly  all  the 
western  tribes  with  a  great  number  of  warriours  and 
others  may  be  collected  at  Vincennes  if  the  bufmefs 
is  Seafonably  attended  to,  with  the  prospect  that  by 
a  proper  management  they  may  be  detached  from 
thofe  tribes,  which  have  oreginated  the  war  and  re- 
turn to  or  be  keept  in  a  State  of  peace,  that  this  is 
the  only  remaining  channel  by  which  there  is  any 
prospect  that  I  Shall  be  able  to  Speek  with  the  more 
hostile  tribes,  that  it  is  efsen  [ti]  al  to  the  Succefs  of 
the  bufmefs  that  they  meet  in  council  before  their 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        303 

hunting  Seafon  comes  on  ;  that  if  the  Day  Should 
not  be  fixed  on  and  the  Indians  advertized  of  it  with- 
out waiting  your  further  inflruct  [ions]  So  much  time 
will  probably  elapse  before  an  anfwer  to  my  letters  on 
this  Subject,  or  any  ordors  in  confequence  of  them 
can  arrive  in  this  quarter  as  may  render  the  whole 
bufmefs  abortive  ;  —  for  thefe  reafons  Sir  I  have  ben 
induced  to  form  the  refolution  of  going  to  post  Vin- 
cent for  the  purpos  of  holding  a  Treaty  with  the 
western  tribes  about  the  20*^  of  September  and  Shall 
take  meafures  to  have  them  invited  to  meet  there 
about  that  time 

haveing  communicated  my  refolution  to  General 
Wilkinfon  and  requested  that  "  an  efcort  might  be 
"  provided  and  other  arrangements  made  to  profecute 
"  the  object,  he  has  very  politely  afsured  me  that  the 
meafure  meets  his  opinion  and  that  he  "  Shall  with 
"  the  utmost  alacrity  make  every  practicable  exertion, 
"  for  the  accommodation  of  the  movement,"  — 

I  propofe  to  leve  this  with  the  Indians  goods  In- 
dian prifon[ers]  &c  about  the  15*^  of  August:  this 
delay  is  partly  on  the  Idea  of  a  bair  pofsability  that 
Capt  Hendrick  or  Some  other  Mefsenger  of  peace 
may  yet  arrive  from  the  North  and  partly  from  the 
probability  that  Some  new  ordor  may  arrive  from 
the  war  office,  as  I  find  by  a  Pittsburgh  paper  that 
you  are  advertised  of  the  murder  of  Freeman  and 
that  Brant  has  ben  to  Philadelphia  I  hope  that  an 
anfwer  to  my  letters  refpecting  the  bufmefs  of  the 
Wabafh  Indians  will  arrive  before  the  time  proposed 
for  the  treaty,  in  which  cafe  if  Major  Hamtramack  is 
appointed  the  Commifsioner  for  the  purpos,  I  Shall 
feal  my  Self  perfectly  Satisfied  in  being  excufed,  and 
at  the  Same  time  Shall  cherfully  afford  him  all  the 
aid  in  my  power  but  if  I  Should  be  disappointed  I 


304        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

Shall  notwithflanding-  profecute  the  bufinefs  of  mak- 
ing a  truce  or  peace  as  far  as  circumfla  [nces]  and  as 
far  as  my  prefent  inflructions  will  warrent  me 

Jean  Krouch  the  principle  Chief  who  arrived  here 
with  M""  Vego  on  the  3*^  inflent  died  the  16*^ 

COPY  OF  A  LETTER  TO  GEN^  WILKINSON 

Fort  Washington  July  23d  1792 
Sir 

In  your  letter  of  the  21^*  inflent  ^  you  request  me  to 
Furnifh  you  with  the  following  eftemate  viz  — 

"  i^*   The  Strength  of  the  Escort  I  require 

«  2diy  The  Species  and  quantety  of  provisions  for 
"  the  Voyage. 

«  ^diy   The  Quantum  of  Rations  which  may  eventu- 

"ally  become   necefsary  to   the  Subsistance  of   the 

"  Savages  which  may  be  drawn  in  to  the  conference  — 

In  compliance  with  your  request  I  beg  leve  to 

propofe  the  following  eftemate  viz  — 

i^*  The  Escort  from  this  to  the  mouth  of  the 
Wabalh  to  confist  of  i  Capt  i  Sub  4  Serg*^  2  Mu- 
feck  66  Rank  &  file  to  be  joynend  at  the  mouth  of 
the  River  by  a  party  of  Troops  from  post  Vincent  of 
Sub^  I  S*  2  —  30  R  &  File  a  party  confisting  of  30- 
oarsmen  with  six  Perouges  Should  alfo  be  procured 
by  Maj"^  Hamtramick  at  the  post  and  Sent  of  So  early 
as  to  be  at  the  mouth  of  the  Wabafh  the  4th  of  Sep- 
tember — 

My  own  family  will  confist  of  5  perfons 

The  Indian  prifoners  and  visitents  will  require  58- 
Rations  per  day 

The  Voige  from  this  to  the  Wabafh  may  be  calcu- 
lated at  20  days  and  from  thence  to  Post  Vincent  at 
ID  days 

1  Page  300. 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        305 

These  premifes  gives  for  the  Voyage  to  post  Vin- 
cent 4840  rations  Say  5000  Ration,  for  which  Salt 
meet  must  be  furnished  Say  5000  lb  of  Bacon  allow- 
ing for  Extreordinis 

The  number  of  Savages  that  will  attend  the  pro- 
posed treaty  is  very  uncertain  or  how  long  it  will  be 
necelTary  to  feed  them  is  alfo  uncertain  I  beleve  that 
40000 —  Rations  will  be  a  moderate  calculation  for 
this  purpos  — 

includeing  rations  for  the  efcort  that  goes  from  this 
to  the  time  of  their  return  (if  they  are  to  return)  or  if 
they  do  not  return  —  they  will  increfe  the  Number  of 
Rations  to  be  Ifsued  at  the  post,  and  rations  for  the 
guard  that  may  go  with  the  Cattle  from  the  falls 
Should  alfo  be  provided  for 

COPY  OF  A  LETTER  TO  MAJOR  HAMTRANCK 

Fort  Washington  July  24th  1792 
Sir. 

I  am  Sent  into  the  Western  country  by  the  Prefi- 
dent  of  the  United  States,  authorized  "  to  make  a 
"Truce  or  peace  with  the  Indians,  and  charged  to 
"  make  the  highest  pofiable  exertion  to  bring  the  war 
"  to  a  clofe,  and  to  Divife  every  proper  means  for  that 
"  purpos.  — 

The  primary  object  was  for  me  to  go  to  the  Omee 
or  Tawa  River,  where  it  was  expected  that  the  chiefs 
from  the  Wabafh  tribes  as  well  as  other  nations 
would  afsemble,  but  by  the  murder  of  our  flags  this 
plan  is  rendered  impracticable.  I  have  therefore  diter- 
mined  to  pay  you  a  visit  with  a  veew  of  Treating  with 
Such  Indians  as  can  be  perfuaided  to  come  to  Post 
Vincent,  and  to  distribute  Some  articles  of  cloathing 
among  them  — 

By  your  letters  to  General  Wilkinson  brought  by 


3o6        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

M""  Vego  and  the  gentelman  who  had  the  charge  of 
his  boats,  I  was  fully  convinced  of  the  propriety  and 
necefsity  of  treating  with  the  Western  Indians  at  Post 
Vincent  agreably  to  your  Stipulations  and  their  wifhes. 
haveing  at  that  time  no  expectation  of  being  able  to 
come  that  way  I  wrote  to  Gen^  Knox  recommending 
in  the  Strongest  terms  that  Some  perfon  Should  be 
authorized  for  the  purpos,  &  I  have  no  doubt  but  my 
letters  will  have  their  proper  effect,  but  Should  the 
arrangements  for  a  treaty  be  put  off  untill  an  anfwer 
to  my  letters  is  recived  the  Seafon  would  be  So  far 
advanced  as  to  render  the  bufmes  abortive,  and  my 
object  in  the  north  being  over  for  the  reafons  before 
mentioned,  I  have  Ditermined  on  this  vifit  to  the 
west  and  am  to  leve  this  place  the  15*^  of  august  with 
the  Indian  prifoners  and  their  frinds,  and  alfo  with 
a  quantety  of  Indian  goods  and  provifions  for  feed- 
ing the  Indians  that  Shall  afsemble  on  the  ocation, 
and  depend  on  a  Detachment  from  you  with  boats 
and  oarsmen  to  meet  me  the  4*''  of  September  at  the 
mouth  of  the  Wabafh  agreably  to  the  ordor  you  will 
recive  from  Gen^  Wilkinson 

the  time  I  propofe  the  Indians  Should  collect  is 
about  the  20*^  or  between  the  midle  and  last  of  Sep- 
tember as  you  will  percive  by  the  inclofed  Speech  to 
them,^  which  I  request  you  will  Send  to  all  the  tribes 
of  the  Wabafh  and  Illinoi  Country,  or  as  many  of 
them  as  time  will  permit  or  you  in  your  discretion 
Shall  judge  best,  you  will  make  out  as  many  copys 
of  this  speech  and  Send  as  many  mefsengers  as  you 
may  think  proper  takeing  care  that  the  proper  Strings 
of  Wampum  &c  be  Sent  with  each  Speech  —  and  I 
will  be  anfwerable  for  the  expence  in  the  maner  you 
Shall  contract  — 

1  Page  307. 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE       307 

the  time  of  my  aproch  to  the  Wabafh  ought  not  to 
be  made  public,  Lest  the  Savages  Should  form  Some 
plan  to  attack  us  in  our  afsent  of  the  river  — 

Jean  Krouch  the  Weya  Chief  who  came  here  with 
M""  Vego  died  on  the  16*''  inllent  — 

P  S  as  the  Circumftancs  of  the  Indian  on  the  Wabafh 
are  better  known  to  me  then  any  other,  I  have  made 
out  and  Signed  a  Speech  Directed  to  them,  in  the 
other  Speech  you  See  the  direction  is  left  for  you  to 
fill,  this  form  of  Speech  I  wifli  you  to  Send  to  as 
many  nations  as  you  think  proper  puting  my  name 
thereto 

SPEECH   TO   THE   WABASH    INDIANS 

The  Speech  of  Rufus  Putnam,  Agent  of  the  Great 

Chief  General  Wafhington  — 
To  Kaweahatta   The  great  Chief  on  the  Eel  River 

And  to  all  the  Chiefs  and  Warriours  of  the  Wyach- 

tenos,  and  other  Indian  Tribes  living  on  the  waters 

of  the  Wabafh  River 

Brothers 

I  am  on  my  way  from  the  great  Councill  fire  of  the 
United  States,  where  the  great  &  good  Chieff  Gen- 
eral Washington  resides —  I  am  coming  with  the 
wishes  of  his  heart  to  You  which  are  very  good,  & 
which  I  hope  will  make  Your  hearts  rejoice  when 
You  hear  them. 
Brothers 

Out  of  love  to  You  I  am  come  this  long  Way  —  I 
wish  you  to  become  a  happy  People,  &  believe  no- 
thing is  wanting  to  make  you  fo,  but  that  You  &  the 
United  States  might  once  see  &  hear  one  another  and 
remove  Such  obstacles,  against  which  we  hitherto 
have  stumbled  —   In  order  to  obtain  this  end,  I  have 


3o8        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

appointed  the  20*^  Day  of  September  for  us  to  meet 

each  other  at   Post  Vincent  there   to   consult   each 

other  in  a  friendly  &  brotherly  manner,  — to  wipe  off 

all  Tears  —  to  sett  our  hearts  aright  —  &  to  establish 

a  lasting  Peace  &  friendship,  taking  one  another  by 

the  hands  as  true  brothers,  &  loving  one  another  from 

our  hearts. 

Brothers, 

You  see  something  very  good  preparing  for  You  — 

make  yourselves  ready  &  come  &  see  what  it  is  —  I 

expect  to  meet  you  on  the  Day  appointed  —  Your 

friends  &  relations  I  shall  bring  with  me. 

RuFFUs  Putnam 

Commifsioner  ect  —  ect  — 
Fort  Washington 
July  24  1 792 

COPY   OF   A   LETTER   TO   GEN''   KNOX 

Fort  Washington  July  26ti>  1 792 
Sir 

I  herewith  enclofe  a  Duplicate  of  my  letter  of  the 
22*^  inllent  with  the  copy  of  Some  Speeches  ^  which 
is  connected  with  the  bufines  mentioned  in  that  letter 
the  Dispach  to  Major  Hamtramick  on  the  Subject 
went  off  yesterday  by  exprefs.  I  have  requested  him 
to  forward  the  Speech  to  the  Wabafh  Chiefs  and 
Simelar  ones  in  wapum  to  as  many  other  tribes  as  he 
Shall  think  proper  — 

I  have  confiderable  expectation  from  this  bufinefs 
M""  Wells  the  Interpreter  tells  me  that  the  Chief  to 
whome  my  Speech  is  directed  on  the  Eel  River  is  a 
very  Sensible  man  that  the  Britifh  account  him  the 
best  Speeker  among  all  the  Indian  nations,  that  he  is 
the  Greatest  Chief  and  has  more  influence  then  all 
the  Chiefs  in  the  Wabafh  country,  that  when  he  (M"" 

1  Pages  301,  307. 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE         309 

Wells  left  Eel  River  in  June  lall,  this  Chief  was  gon 
to  the  Council  on  the  Omee  —  but  M^  Wells  thinks 
he  is  disposed  to  peace  and  as  he  has  two  Sisters  who 
are  prifoners  here  and  Some  other  relations  M'  Wells 
has  no  doubt  but  on  my  Mefsage  he  will  come  to 
the  treaty  althoe  he  declined  it  last  winter  on  Major 
Hamtramaks  invitation  —  through  the  influence  of 
this  man  I  am  yet  in  Some  hopes  of  being  admitted 
to  Speak  with  their  high  Mightinefes  the  Shawonoes 
and  other  hoftile  Chiefs. 


LETTER    FROM   COL*'    SARGENT^ 

Cincinnati  County  of  Hamilton  August  s'h  1792 
In  addition  Gentlemen  to  the  Laws  which  we  have 
pafsed  at  this  Time  and  the  Bills  under  consideration 
I  take  Leave  to  suggest  an  Opinion  of  the  necefsity  of 
some  effectual  measures  to  guard  against  the  evil 
Practices  of  foreigners  of  a  certain  description  in  vari- 
ous parts  of  this  Territory  —  much  mischief  has  been 
complained  of  from  them  in  the  two  western  Counties 
which  perhaps  might  be  sufficiently  provided  against 
by  the  vigilance  of  the  civil  and  military  officers  of 
Government  if  ALL  STRANGERS  were  obliged  to  re- 
port themselves —  This  is  invariably  demanded  of 
our  Citizens  crofsing  the  mifsifsippi  or  visiting  the 
british  Establishments  and  the  Governour  deemed  it 
necefsary  to  ordain  such  a  regulation  in  the  County 
of  S*  Clair  AND  to  direct  that  the  Inhabitants  should 
entertain  no  strangers  whatever  without  immediate 
Information  thereof  to  the  senior  officer  present  — 
the  present  Circumstances  of  the  Territor\%  involved 
in  a  grievous  war  with  a  subtle  enterprising  Enemy 

1  Winthrop  Sargent,  Secretary  of  the  Territory  Northwest  of  the  River 
Ohio. 


3IO        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

whose  Emifsaries  from  our  Deficiency  of  Caution 
may  be  frequently  amongst  us,  seem  to  me  more  than 
ever  to  demand  such  poHce  —  as  well  as  that  a  power 
should  be  somewhere  vested  for  more  effecttial  De- 
fence than  is  at  present  provided  for  by  Law. 

Courts  martial  having  been  called  into  view  Gen- 
tlemen by  the  militia  Laws  and  ofificers  in  this  and 
other  Counties  subjected  to  Expences  in  that  service, 
besides  the  Lofs  of  their  Time,  some  small  provision 
I  humbly  conceive  should  be  made  for  this  purpose 
and  other  contingent  Charges. 

The  Inhabitants  of  the  two  western  Counties  com- 
plain to  me  of  great  Injury  by  Parties  of  Hunters 
(living  under  the  Spanish  Government)  infesting  those 
Districts  and  destroying  great  numbers  of  Deer  and 
Buffaloe  whilst  they  are  rigorously  debarred  of  all 
Indulgencies  under  that  Government  which  perhaps 
Gentlemen  may  be  considered  as  demanding  our  at- 
tention. 

A  Law  to  regulate  Ferries  in  the  different  Counties 
it  appears  to  me  proper  should  be  adopted  as  soon 
as  may  be  —  for  the  want  thereof  the  Governour  has 
hitherto  been  constrained  to  take  this  Burden  upon 
himself. 

In  most  wise  Governments  I  believe  Gentlemen  it 
has  been  the  rule  to  regulate  by  Law  the  admifsion 
of  attorneys  in  the  different  Courts  —  and  for  the 
want  of  due  provision  upon  this  subject  I  have  too 
much  reason  to  think  Inconveniences  and  Injuries 
have  accrued. 

An  act  to  prevent  nusances  it  appears  to  me  Gen- 
tlemen is  also  very  much  wanting  —  for  they  are  fast 
multiplying  in  almost  all  the  Settlements  which  have 
been  under  my  observation  —  but  this  and  all  the 
other  Subjects  are  submitted  to  you  with  Deference 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        311 

and  pure  faith  that  they  will  receive  every  attention 
which  Circumstances  can  admit 

I  have  the  honour  to  be 
Gentlemen 
with  much  respect 
your  obedient  humble  Serv* 

WiNTHROP  Sargent 
Hon''^^  Judg-es 
Symmes 

and  Putnam 

GENERAL   WAYNES    LETTER 

Pittsburgh  6*  August  1792 
Sir 

I  am  fmcerely  sorry  to  inform  you,  that  the  report 
of  the  murder  of  Col°  Harding-,  &  Major  Truman, 
appears  to  be,  but  too  well  founded  ;  I  have  this  mo- 
ment examined  two  men,  just  from  Detroit,  by  the 
way  of  Niagara,  who  were  taken  Prisoners  by  the 
Indians,  one  of  them,  near  Fort  Jefferson,  on  the  27**^- 
of  October,  and  the  other,  a  M""  John  Cleghom,  near 
the  falls  of  Ohio,  in  April  last,  who  was  carried  to 
Michilimackinac  &  from  thence  to  Detroit,  where  he 
arrived  on  the  24*^  of  June,  and  says  that,  whilst  he 
was  at  Michilimanckinac,  accounts  were  received,  that 
Captain  Harding,  and  one  or  two  others,  were  killed 
by  the  Indians,  &  the  papers  that  were  found  upon 
them,  sent  to  Cap^  M'Kee —  he  was  also  informed 
at  Detroit,  (where  the  report  was  common)  that,  a 
Captain  Truman,  and  another  man  were  killed,  near 
the  Miami  towns,  by  two  Indians,  who  were  in  com- 
pany with  them,  in  the  Evening,  that,  the  Indians, 
affected  to  be  very  uneasy  —  upon  which.  Captain 
Truman,  told  them,  they  might  tie  the  other  man,  so 
that  their  numbers  shou'd  be  equal,  which  was  accord- 
ingly done,  —  that,  they  then  shot  Truman,  &  toma- 


312        OFFICIAL  CORRESPONDENCE 

hawed,  the  man  that  was  tied ;  that,  the  Interpreter 
made  his  escape  into  a  swamp  or  woods,  that  the  In- 
dians, called  to  him,  and  promised  not  to  hurt  him, 
upon  which  he  deliver' d  himself  up,  &  they  carried 
him  to  the  Council,  as  a  Prisoner ;  and  reprobated, 
the  foolish  conduct,  of  Truman  —  (as  they  termed  it) 
for  suffering  the  man,  to  be  tied ;  that  these  papers, 
were  also,  given  to  Cap*^  M'Kee,  and  said,  this  was 
the  fifth  flag  they  had  killed^  nor  had  they  any  wish, 
or  intention,  to  make  peace,  as  they  had  already  been 
deceived,  by  the  Americans,  last  fummer,  &  before  : 

he  further  says,  that  a  Certd^m  Simon  Girty  —  with 
fi}ur  hundred  Indians  had  left  Detroit  some  days 
before  he  arrived,  —  say  about  the  15*^  of  June,  and 
swore  —  that  he  wou'd  make  a  stroke  upon  the  Amer- 
icans immediately,  &  either  kill,  —  or  be  killed,  in 
the  attempt,  Query  —  may  not  this,  be  the  person 
in  red,  or  fcarlet,  who  was  seen  with  the  Indians,  in 
the  attack  upon  the  fergeants  party  near  Fort  Jeffer- 
son, on  the  25^''  of  June : 

however  this  man  Cleghorn,  goes  with  the  convey- 
ance, to  Fort  Washington,  where  you  can  have  an 
opportunity  of  examining  him  more  minutely  ;  Upon 
the  whole,  I  believe,  that  the  Death,  of  those  two  un- 
fortunate Gentlemen,  is  reduced  to  a  certainty. 

You  will  please  to  make  Gen'  Wilkinson,  acquainted 
with  this  disagreeable  information  ;  Your  letter  of  the 
10*''  Ultimo,^  &  that  of  the  18*''  June,  arrived  safe. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be  with  fmcere  Esteem 

Your  most  Ob* 
&  very 
Hum'  Ser* 

Anty  Wayne 
The  Honble 
Brig^  Gen'  RUFUS  PUTNAM 

1  Page  291. 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        313 

letter  from  gen^  knox 

War-department, 

August  7th  1792. 
Sir. 

I  have  had  the  honor  to  receive  your  communica- 
tions of  the  5th,  8th,  and  9th  of  July.^ 

I  have  no  doubt,  but  that  poor  Trueman  has  been 
facrificed  by  favage  barbarity  !  But,  it  is  Hill  question- 
able, whether  the  motive  thereto  has  been  the  blood- 
thirllinefs  of  an  individual,  the  defire  of  the  Shawa- 
nefe  and  other  inveterate  tribes  to  frullrate  a  peace, 
or,  a  dictate  of  the  general  council  —  If  either  of  the 
two  former,  peace  may  yet  be  attainable. 

Captain  Hendricks,  accompanied  by  three  friendly 
Indians,  probably  fet  out  from  Buffaloe  for  the  Omee 
river,  about  the  i8th  of  June —  The  Senekas  would 
be  later ;  and  Captain  Brant  would  probably  be  at 
Au  Glaze,  about  the  20th  of  the  prefent  month  —  It 
would  be  an  uncommon  afsemblage  of  unfortunate 
circumllances  if  all  our  overtures  fail.  You  will  culti- 
vate and  make  peace  with  the  Wabash  tribes  to  the 
utmost  of  your  power,  and  you  will  judge  how  far 
your  going  to  Post  Vincennes,  or  any  other  place  will 
facilitate  the  object —  Extend  your  treaties  with  one 
tribe  after  another  as  far  as  pofsible,  always  fubject- 
ing  them  to  the  ratification  of  the  Prefident  and  Sen- 
ate of  the  United  States. 

The  United  States  require  no  lands  of  the  Wabash 
Indians  not  heretofore  ceded  —  Imprefs  this  idea 
upon  all  the  tribes  —  Apply  the  goods  at  Fort  Wash- 
ington to  the  purpofes  of  the  faid  treaties. 

If  it  fhould  fo  happen,  that  in  purfuance  of  your 
inflructions,  you  fhould  have  an  immediate  opportu- 
nity of  repairing  to  the  hoUile  Indians,  you  will  ap- 

1  Pages  273,  280,  290. 


314        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

point  fuch  time  for  afsembling,  to  the  Wabash  tribes, 
and  all  their  connexions,  as  not  to  militate  with  the 
first  object. 

I  will  endeavor  to  have  more  Indian  goods  tranf- 
ported  to  Fort  Washington,  and  I  hope  that  an 
opportunity  by  a  peace,  will  be  prefented  you,  of 
bellowing  them  to  the  benefit  of  the  United  States. 

I  have  communicated  a  copy  of  your  letter  of  the 
8th  inflant,  to  the  Prelident  of  the  United  States. 

The  advancement  of  the  public  interefls  being  the 
fole  object  of  my  purfuit,  and  not  the  ellablishment 
of  any  particular  opinion,  I  am  fincerely  obliged  to 
you  for  the  propofitions  relative  to  a  different  route 
by  the  Cayahoga  —  The  plan  of  operations  was  con- 
fidered,  and  approved  by  the  Prefident  of  the  United 
States,  upon  as  full  a  view  of  all  circumllances,  politi- 
cal as  well  as  military,  which  could  be  obtained  at 
the  time  of  decifsion. 

We  are  in  a  delicate  fituation,  politically,  with  re- 
spect to  the  british  government  —  There  are  exifling 
circumllances  of  fuch  a  nature  as  to  render  it  highly 
expedient  to  avoid  all  cafes  of  a  pofsible  collifion 
with  that  power —  Were  we  polled  on  the  margin 
of  the  lake,  and  had  thereon  a  naval  arrangement 
of  the  moll  diminutive  fize,  the  peace  and  dignity  of 
the  country  might  be  committed  to  the  difcretion  of 
a  fubaltern's  party —  The  Prelident  has  therefore 
judged  it  prudent  to  keep  at  a  dillance  from  the  lakes 
for  the  prefent  —  Hereafter,  arrangements,  limilar  to 
the  one  you  propofed,  may  be  adopted  —  At  pre- 
fent, the  following  objections  have  occurred  to  my 
mind,  to  the  Cayahoga  route,  which,  with  your  pro- 
pofitions, I  have  tranfmitted  to  major  general  Wayne, 
for  his  confideration,  and  remarks  thereon,    to  wit  — 

First  —  Reafons  of  national   policy  will   rellrain 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE       315 

(during-  the  prefent  neg-ociations  relative  to  the  pofls) 
all  arrangements  on  the  lakes,  which  might  occa- 
fion  collilions  with  the  British  inferior  agents.  This 
is  therefore  a  delicate  point,  &  is  not  to  be  under- 
taken. 

Secondly.  That  in  cafe  of  offenlive  operations,  a 
divifion  of  the  probable  efficient  force  would  be  fuch 
as  to  render  the  fuccefs  problematical. 

Thirdly  —  No  immediate  object  could  be  found  for 
the  operation  of  the  faid  force,  moving  by  the  way 
of  Cayahoga,  provided  the  information  by  Captain 
Brant,  could  be  depended  upon  ;  to  wit,  that  the 
Wyandots  and  Delawares  have  left  Sandusky. 

Fourthly  —  That  even  if  the  foregoing  reafons  did 
not  exill  fo  Urongly,  the  advanced  feafon  would 
prevent  the  meafure  this  year,  unlefs  the  motives 
were  fo  powerful,  as  to  be  a  realbn  for  the  troops 
encountering  all  the  hardfhips  and  dangers  of  the 
late  feafon,  as  in  the  last  campaign. 

Fifthly.  A  poll,  or  polls,  eflablished  at,  and  below, 
the  Miami  village,  towards  Lake  Erie,  would,  it  is 
prefumed,  have  the  direct  effect  to  make  all  the  hof- 
tile  Indians,  hitherto  refident  to  the  eaflward  of  the 
faid  Omie  River,  as  at  Sandusky,  and  other  places, 
remove  to  the  Wellward  of  the  faid  river,  provided 
they  have  not  already  removed,  which  is  highly  prob- 
able. 

If  the  Prefident  of  the  United  States,  to  whom  I 
have  alfo  communicated  my  objections,  fhould  judge 
differently,  I  fhall  communicate  the  refult  to  the 
commander  in  chief. 

I  have  alfo  communicated  to  major  general  Wayne, 
your  letter  of  the  9th,  relative  to  a  poll  on  the  Muf- 
kingum,  in  order  that  he  may  take  fuch  meafures 
thereon  as  he  may  judge  proper. 


3i6        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

It  will  Hill  be  left  to  your  difcretion,  when  to  deliver 
the  prifoners  —  Brigadier  General  Wilkinfon  feems 
to  think  that  most  of  them  ought  to  be  retained,  to 
fee  what  part  their  tribes  will  take. 

The  enclofed  letter  ^  is  from  General  Ifrael  Chapin, 
who  is  the  Agent  to  the  five  Nations,  and  which  I 
communicate  to  you,  as  important  information. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be 
Sir, 

with  great  efleem, 
Your  very  humble  Serv* 
H  Knox 
Sec^  of  War 
Brigadier  General  Putnam 

[copy   of   a   letter  from    general    ISRAEL    CHAPIN   TO    GEN- 
ERAL   KNOX] 

[Enclosed  in  the  preceding  letter.] 

Canandaugue  July  17,  1792 
Sir 

Agreeably  to  the  directions  I  received  for  the  pur- 
pose, I  set  out  for  Buffalo  Creek  the  ninth  Ultimo. 
It  was  out  of  my  power  to  dispatch  Captain  Hen- 
drick,  as  soon  as  I  could  have  wished.  The  Chiefs 
of  the  five  nations  at  first  peremptorily  insisted  on 
his  waiting  to  accompany  them,  and  it  was  not  with- 
out difficulties  that  they  were  induced  to  relinquish 
the  point.  After  a  Council  which  was  protracted  for 
several  days  they  however  gave  their  consent.  He 
set  out  in  a  bark  Canoe  on  the  eighteenth  with  suit- 
able attendants  and  provisions.  It  was  the  opinion  of 
the  Indians  he  would  reach  the  place  of  destination 
in  eight  days.  —  As  I  had  pofsefsed  myself  with  all 
the  information  I  expected  I  would  have  returned 

1  Page  316. 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        317 

home  after  the  departure  of  Captain  Hendricks  but 
the  Chiefs  would  by  no  means  consent  to  my  leaving 
them  while  the  treaty  continued —  and  indeed  I 
have  not  since  been  sorry  as  I  have  reason  to  believe 
that  my  continuance  has  been  the  means  of  more 
perfectly  reconciling  the  Onadaugas  and  Cyugas. 
The  far  greater  part  of  both  nations  have  resided  at 
buffaloe  Creek  ever  since  the  late  war.  On  my  first 
arrival  the  principal  chief  of  the  Cyuaga  nation  com- 
monly known  by  the  name  of  the  Fish  Carrier  and 
indeed  the  whole  of  both  nations  were  extremely  dis- 
affected, for  the  grounds  of  their  disaffection,  I  must 
refer  you  Sir,  to  the  Speeches  delivered  me  on  the 
occasion  which  I  ordered  to  be  taken  down  in  writing 
on  the  Spot,  and  transmit  to  you  by  this  dispatch. 
After  several  conferences  with  the  Fish  Carrier  in 
which  I  was  greatly  afsisted  by  several  chiefs  who 
attended  Congrefs  he  gradually  relaxed  in  his  sever- 
ity and  at  last  became  perfectly  friendly.  A  number 
of  young  Warriors  had  gone  off  in  the  Spring  to  join 
the  hostile  Indians.  The  Fish  carrier  promised  me 
that  he  would  not  only  recall  the  party  but  would  go 
in  person  to  the  Southern  treaty  and  use  every  exer- 
tion to  bring  about  a  general  pacification  between 
Congrefs  and  the  Southern  Indians,  that  after  he  had 
been  useful  he  would  go  and  see  General  Washing- 
ton and  could  then  take  him  by  the  hand  with  confi- 
dence and  pleasure,  few  Indian  chiefs  have  a  more 
extensive  influence  than  the  fish  Carrier,  the  altera- 
tion therefore  of  his  sentiments  could  not  but  afford 
me  the  highest  pleasure.  I  can  only  imprefs  it  as  my 
private  wish  that  all  his  reasonable  requests  might 
be  gratified. 

You  have  no  doubt  heard  Sir  that  a  number  of 
Senecas  were  concerned  with  our  people  in  cutting  off 


3i8        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

a  scout  of  hostile  Indians.  This  event  has  occasioned 
a  good  deal  of  uneasinefs  among  the  five  nations. 
Their  resentment  is  peculiarly  excited  against  the 
Commander  at  Fort  Jefferson.  They  say  that  con- 
trary to  the  advice  they  received  from  Congrefs  he 
has  excited  some  of  their  thoughtlefs  young  men  to 
strike  the  tomahawk  into  the  heads  of  their  brothers. 
That  it  has  occasioned  an  uneasinefs  towards  the 
whole  of  their  nation  and  thrown  obstacles  in  the  way 
of  their  influence  in  favor  of  their  friends. 

The  Chiefs  from  Onida  did  not  arrive  during  the 
Council  I  should  otherwise  have  been  able  to  have 
dispatched  the  Chiefs  of  the  five  nations  to  the  South- 
ern treaty,  previously  to  my  leaving  Buffaloe  Creek 
two  of  the  Mafsasioga  Chiefs  attended  council  with 
the  five  Nations  —  their  appearance  was  perfectly 
friendly —  The[y]  exprefsed  a  wish  to  be  made  ac- 
quainted with  our  great  Men  The  Mohauks  were 
sent  for  from  the  Grand  River  but  as  Captain  Brant 
was  absent  and  their  principal  Chief  Sick  they  did 
not  attend  Colonel  Butler  the  Brittish  Superintend- 
ant  of  the  Six  Nations  was  also  requested  to  attend. 
He  came  as  far  as  the  Garrison.  The  Commanding 
officer  would  not  permit  him  to  proceed  further  He 
however  sent  a  speech  to  the  Indians  in  which  he 
told  them  they  were  in  the  right  path  and  advised 
them  to  continue  in  it.  I  was  visited  by  several  Brit- 
tish Officers  and  Gentlemen  from  the  Settlement  of 
Niagara,  they  behaved  with  a  politenefs  that  seemed 
nearly  to  approach  to  real  friendfhip. 

On  the  whole  every  circumstance  that  respects  the 
six  Nations  wears  at  present  a  moft  flattering  ap- 
pearance. The  Chiefs  that  went  to  Congrefs  are  our 
most  Zealous  friends,  the[y]  particularly  explained 
to  the  nations  who  convened  for  the  purpose  the 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        319 

Speeches  they  had  made  and  received  while  absent, 
The  reception  and  treatment  they  received  at  Phila- 
delphia, and  I  had  the  pleasure  of  observing  that 
they  meet  with  universal  approbation. 

From  the  best  intelligence  I  could  procure  the 
southern  Nations  rest  in  quiet  except  the  Delaware 
and  Shawanoes  neither  Can  I  learn  that  they  at  pre- 
sent have  any  thoughts  of  sending  out  war  parties 
but  are  very  attentive  lest  an  enemy  should  surprize 
their  Villages,  The  grand  Council  of  Indian  nations 
are  now  convening  at  the  Falls  of  the  Big  Miami.  It 
is  thought  it  will  be  the  largest  ever  known,  the  In- 
dians from  Canada  have  been  invited  and  are  every 
day  expected  at  Niagara.  No  offensive  step  will  prob- 
ably be  taken  until  after  the  General  deliberation 
and  from  the  number  of  friends  we  shall  have  there 
I  am  induced  to  expect  a  favorable  ifsue. 

The  five  Nations  manifested  gratitude  to  Congrefs 
for  their  intention  of  erecting  Schools  among  them 
and  providing  them  with  Blacksmiths.  I  would  how- 
ever inform  you  Sir  that  it  will  be  out  of  my  power 
to  do  either  except  greater  encouragment  is  given 
and  if  I  may  be  permitted  to  give  my  private  judg- 
ment if  Congrefs  would  establish  at  present  only  one 
school  to  the  west  of  Genesee  River  and  endow  it  with 
a  Stipend  that  would  make  it  an  object  for  a  Gentle- 
man of  Character  it  might  prove  of  infinite  fervice 
both  in  conciliating  the  affections  of  the  Indians  and 
in  laying  a  foundation  for  their  civilization. 

I  would  wish,  Sir,  fome  direction  how  far  I  am 
to  distribute  to  the  Indians.  I  am  continually  sur- 
rounded by  a  Cloud  of  them  since  my  appointment. 
They  all  expect  to  be  fed  from  my  Table,  and  made 
glad  from  my  Celler,  some  instances  too  of  Cloathing 
I  have  not  been  able  to  deny  —  I  would  Suggest  the 


320        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

Idea  whether  a  small  ftore  of  Provifsions  and  goods  to 
be  distributed  on  necefsary  occasions  might  not  be  a 
faving  to  the  public. 

I  am  with  respect 

Your  moll  humble  ferv* 

(Sign'^)  Israel  Chapin 

General  Knox 


major  hamtramcks  letter 

Fort  Knox  Post  Vincennes 
August  9th  1792  — 
Sir 

I  have  to  Acknowledge  your  letter  July  24*^1  — 

every  Arrangement  to  promote  the  Public   Service 

will  be  attended  to  with  all  Pofsible  exactnefs  —  but 

I  am  Affeared  that  the  lownef  of  the  water  will  make 

it  difficult  for  any  Boats  or  Perogues  to  Afcend  the 

Wabash  —  Your  Speech  ^  to  the  Wabash  Indians  has 

already  been  Dilivered  to  two  Nations  and  will  be 

Dilivered  to  the  Others  as  soon  as  pofsible  —  they 

Appeared  to  be  well  pleased  and  everything  will  work 

right  if  they  are  but  sincere  —  I  have  also  Sent  your 

Speech  to  the  Potowatomees  by  the  son  of  the  first 

King  to  that  Nation  who  has  been  with  me  for  some 

time  (I  suppose  as  a  Spye)  and  he  afsures  me  that  he 

will  bring  his  Nation  to  fee  you  —  as  they  Sincerely 

wish  to  be  at  Peace  with  the  U  States  —   I  shall  have 

some  Difficulty  to  send  to  the  Illionois  Country,  owing 

to  the  extravegant  Price  they  ask.    however  it  must 

be  done  —  if  all  the  Indians  attends  they  will  draw 

about  Seven  or  Eight  Hundred  Rations  p""  day  —  I 

have  the  Honor  to  inclose  you  the  State  of  the  pro- 

visfons  now  on  hand  —   I  beg  to  Observe  that  after 

I  have  sent  you  the  Sixty  four  Men  to  the  Mouth  of 

1  Page  305.  2  Page  307. 


THE   OHIO   loMl'ANVs    I,\XI)   OFIICI',    A  I'    MXRIIITA 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        321 

the  Wabash  as  I  am  directed,  that  the  Garrisfon  will 
be  left  very  weak  for  our  total  is  but  94  and  twenty 
of  them  are  Sicke  —  I  would  beg  therefore  that  the 
Escort  which  I  am  told  is  to  come  with  the  Cattle 
from  the  Falls  might  be  sent  on  so  as  to  be  here  be- 
fore the  Perogues  goes  down,  which  will  be  the  first 
day  of  September  — 

I  have  the  Honor  to 
be  Sir  with  Very  great 
Respect  your  Most  obedient 
and  Very  humble  Servant 

J.  F.  Hamtramck 
Brig'^  Genr.  PUTNAM 

COPY   OF    LETTER   TO   GEN^   KNOX 

Fort  Washington  August  i6th  1792 
Sir 

My  last  letter  was  dated  July  26*^  with  which  I  en- 
clofed  a  duplicate  of  my  letter  of  the  22*^  of  the  Same 
month,  with  a  copy  of  Some  Speeches  connected 
with  the  bufmefs  of  treating  with  the  Indians  at  Post 
Vincent.  ^ 

I  have  ben  in  anxious  expectation  to  recive  Some 
information  from  you  or  General  Wayne,  before  this 
time,  that  Should  have  removed  every  doubt  with 
refpect  to  Major  Truman  and  the  other  Mefsengers 
being  murdered,  as  I  concived  Captain  Hendrick 
would  afsertain  that  matter  and  have  it  in  his  power 
to  report  to  you  or  General  Wayn,  althoe  he  might 
not  be  able  to  give  me  any  information  on  the  Sub- 
ject, but  hearing  of  northing  from  Hendrick  or  any 
other  quarter  to  contridict  the  Meafure,  I  Shall  Leave 
this  tomorrow  morning  for  Post  Vincent,  in  purfuit 
of  the  object  I  wrote  you  in  the  lett*^*  "ed 

1  Pages  301,  307 


322        OFFICIAL  CORRESPONDENCE 

to  —  the  Indian  prifoners  and  goods,  for  the  treaty, 
Started  down  the  river  this  morning 

I  flatter  my  felf  that  a  pritty  large  number  of  In- 
dians will  afsemble  and  accordingly  have  fent  forward 
goods  Sufficient  to  Supply  nearly  700  of  different  Sexes 
and  Sizes,  with  a  Blanket,  Stroud,  leggens,  and  fhirt 
each  befides  30  Coats  &  30  hats,  for  chiefs,  —  Sifsers 
knives  looking  Glafses  &c  —  And  I  take  with  me 
Some  of  the  Medals,  Arm  &  wrill  bands  and  other 
Jewels  — 

I  feal  exceedingly  embarrafed  on  the  ocation  lest 
pofsiably  Hendrick  or  Some  other  frindly  Mefsenger 
Should  arrive  from  the  North  or  that  Some  inllruc- 
tions  from  the  War  office  may  have  ifsued,  with 
which  my  Visit  to  post  Vincent  Should  be  inconlist- 
ant.  but  the  morral  certainty  of  the  murder  of  our 
flags  and  So  much  time  haveing  elapsed  without  any 
intiligence  relative  to  the  primary  object  for  which 
I  came  out,  togather  with  the  profpect  of  rendering 
efencial  Servis  to  goverment  by  takeing  advantage 
of  existing  circumllan  [ce]  s  which  would  probably  be 
lost  for  ever  if  the  prefent  moment  Should  not  be 
embraced,  I  trust  if  my  conduct  is  not  approved  I 
Shall  yet  be  excufiable.  I  mean  Such  circumlla  [nces] 
as  that  the  chiefs  have  exprefsed  a  willingnefs  to 
come  to  post  Vincent  but  no  further  &  the  agreement 
of  Hamtramck  that  they  Should  have  a  treaty  at  that 
place  which  Should  that  agreement  not  be  complyed 
with  on  the  part  of  goverment  in  a  reafonable  time 
the  mifschief  might  not  eafily  be  remidied  &  if  not 
gratified  in  this  by  the  influence  of  their  Neighbours 
they  are  in  danger  every  moment  of  forming  war 
parties  that  the  prifoners  being  taken  along  will 
p  10  many  to  come  in  which  otherwife 

1  they  Shall  See  thefe  prifones 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE       323 

well  cloathed  and  generously  given  up  to  their  frinds 
with  the  report  of  their  good  ufsage  while  prifoners 
it  must  certainly  have  a  great  influence  with  all  who 
fhall  be  prefent  a  circumllance  this  which  may  never 
exist  again  — 

befides  I  am  well  afsured  that  Some  of  the  first 
carractors  among  the  Wabafh  Chiefs  refused  to  come 
in  on  Major  Hamtramicks  invitation  becaufe  he  was 
no  more  then  a  war  Capttain,  and  the  further  I  have 
enquired  into  the  bufmefs  the  more  I  am  convinced 
it  is  a  matter  of  confiderable  confequence  and  ought 
to  be  attended  to  I  find  they  have  no  Idea  of  War 
Captains  treating  of  peace  this  provence  belongs  to 
other  courts  and  it  was  for  this  reafon,  Kaweahatta 
the  great  Chief  of  the  Eel  river  refused  to  See  Major 
Hamtramick  last  winter,  but  told  his  brother  (who 
was  a  War  Captain)  that  he  might  go,  that  it  was 
proper  one  War  Captain  Should  Speek  with  another, 
to  avoid  this  prejudice,  and  alfo  that  they  might  have 
an  Idea  of  the  bufmefs  I  was  charged  with  from  their 
corespondence  with  the  britifh,  I  have  taken  the  car- 
ractor  of  "  Agent  of  the  Great  Chief  General  Wafh- 
ington,  —  and  that  I  may  be  confistent  have  thrown 
by  my  uniform  and  taken  the  habit  of  a  civilian 

Thefe  circumflances  are  trivial  with  us  and  prehaps 
with  Some  may  be  thought  Laughable,  but  with  thefe 
barbaras  people  they  are  confidered  as  matters  of 
great  moment  and  if  we  mean  to  make  a  peace  with 
them  we  ought  to  accommodate  our  felves  to  their 
Ideas  of  propriety  efpecially  those  which  they  con- 
fider  as  binding  on  them 

I  Shall  make  every  pofiable  exertion  in  perfuaid- 
ing  thefe  Western  [Indians]  to  Send  a  deputation  to 
Philadelphia  &  I  am  not  without  hopes  of  prevailing 
with  them  on  that  head 


324        OFFICIAL  CORRESPONDENCE 

I  prefume  that  my  letters  as  late  as  the  1 1*^  of  July- 
must  have  reached  you  by  the  tenth  of  August,  and  if 
your  anfwer  is  forwarded  by  exprefs  from  Pittsburgh 
the  dispatches  will  reach  Fort  Wafhington  by  the  first 
of  September  and  General  Wilkinfon  will  imedi- 
ately  forward  them  to  me  where  at  post  Vincent  they 
cannot  fail  of  arriveing  by  the  tenth  or  fifteenth  of 
September  I  made  this  calculation  when  I  appointed 
the  treety  and  I  Still  hope  to  recive  your  inllructions 
before  the  time  of  opening  it  — 

I  enclofe  you  an  Abflract  of  Indian  goods  flill  re- 
maining at  Fort  Wafhington.  Some  of  thefe  articles 
are  much  damaged  and  ought  in  my  opinion  to  be 
Sold,  &  Some  others  are  not  fit  for  Indian  purposes  — 
the  434>^  yards  of  Linsey  is  a  llriped  cloath,  and 
would  anfwer  very  well  to  make  into  hunting  fhirts 
and  over  halls,  to  fupply  rifle  men  or  other  fcouting 
parties  ocationaly  when  fent  into  the  woods,  as  it  is 
much  [m]  ore  healthy  then  linen  and  lighter  then  the 
common  woolen,  and  the  colour  will  ferve  for  con- 
cealment much  better  then  the  common  uniforms 

COPY  OF  LETTER  TO  GEN''  WILKINSON 

Fort  Washington  August  17th  1792 
Sir 

you  are  perfectly  acquainted  with  every  circum- 
ilance  connected  with  the  bufinefs  I  came  out  upon. 
Should  anything  turn  up  in  any  quarter  which  you 
concive  it  necefsary  for  me  to  be  informed  of  I  Ihall 
thank  you  to  give  me  the  earliest  inteligence  in 
perticuler  if  any  Dispatches  for  me  or  Major  Ham- 
tramick  should  arrive  from  the  War  office  I  must  re- 
qust  that  you  will  forward  them  by  exprefs  as  Soon 
as  pofiable 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        325 


COPY   OF    LETTER   TO   GENERAL    KNOX 

Rapids  of  ohio  August  21,  1792 
Sir 

the  Escort  with  the  Indian  prifoners  &c  arrived 
here  yesterday  without  any  accident  the  low  Hate  of 
the  water  obliges  us  to  hall  the  goods  provifions  &c  by 
the  rapids  in  waggons  which  will  be  fome  expence 
and  caufe  two  or  three  days  detention  — 

I  enclofe  an  extract  from  Major  Hamtramcks  letter 
to  me  from  Fort  Knox  dated  august  9*^.^ 

I  wrote  you  very  perticulerly  the  16^^  inflent^  from 
Fort  Wafhington,  and  have  northing  new  to  add  ex- 
cept that  I  hear  a  perfon  by  the  name  of  Harden  who 
lives  fome  where  neer  the  ohio  on  this  fide  of  Cum- 
berland River  is  miditateing  to  flrike  at  the  Indians 
in  fome  quarter  or  other.  I  am  told  he  is  the  fame 
perfon  who  murdered  fome  frindly  Indians  neer  post 
Vincent  about  three  years  ago.  fhould  this  wretch  be 
fuccefsfull  in  raifmg  his  party  (which  it  is  faid  is  to 
consifl  of  100  and  that  his  advertisments  inviteing 
volunteers  are  posted  up  in  divers  part  of  the  coun- 
try) and  fall  on  the  Wabafh  Indians  at  this  time  it 
muH  undoubtedly  put  an  end  to  all  profpect  of  peace 
in  that  quarter,  and  all  the  expence  which  gover- 
ment  are  at  on  the  ocation  be  worfe  then  thrown 
away 

it  is  thought  by  fom  that  few  will  joyne  in  his  pro- 
posed expidition  and  that  he  will  not  be  able  to  make 
any  flroke  of  confequence.  but  Sir  fhall  the  United 
States  Suffer  an  Individule  thus  to  infult  her  au- 
thorety  with  impunity.  I  hope  not  and  must  entreet 
that  proper  meafu[re]s  be  adopted  to  punilh  this  and 
every  fuch   disturber  of  the  public  peace   for  untill 

1  Page  320.  *  Page  321. 


326        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

fome  examples  are  made  of  fuch  perfons,  the  frontiers 
will  be  continually  involved  in  war  and  bloodfhed  and 
the  united  Stats  in  expence  — 

letter  from  general  wilkenson 

Fort  Hamilton 

August  28  1 792 
Dear  General 

Having  waited  until  this  date,  without  receiving 
Aid,  Information  or  Advice  from  above,  I  am  con- 
strained to  make  ufe  of  the  Garrison  of  Fort  Steuben, 
as  an  Escort  to  the  Convoy  of  Beef  Cattle,  destined 
to  Fort  Knox ;  It  is  necefsary  this  Convoy  should 
return  as  soon  as  the  public  Service  may  permit  and 
I  have  ordered  accordingly. — As  all  things  in  this 
quarter  remain  as  you  left  them,  I  have  nothing  to 
add,  but  my  best  wishes  for  your  Succefs  and  Safe 
return,  and  with  my  respects  to  M'  Hackenwelder 
and  Major  Hamtramck,  I  remain  with  great  respect 
and  Esteem 

Sir 

Your  most  Obd*  Serv* 

JA.  Wilkinson 

B  General 

P  S.  You  will  oblige  me  highly,  and  will  confer  a 
particular  favor  on  Judge  Innes  of  Kentucky,  if 
you  can  at  the  treaty  which  may  be  held  discover 
and  redeem,  or  put  the  Businefs  in  train  for  the 
redemption  of  a  Mulatto  Fellow  and  two  Black 
Fellows  all  Slaves,  taken  from  his  Improvement 
on  Elk  Horn  near  Frankfort  in  Kentucky  about 
the  25*^  of  May  jA.  W. 

Brig'  Gen^  PUTNAM. 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        327 

LETTER    FROM    MAJOR    HAMTRAMCK 

Fort  Knox  Vincennes  August  31st  1792 
Sir 

I  Suppose  you  have  received  the  letter  which  I  had 
the  honor  of  writing  you  by  the  Exprefs  who  returned 
to  the  Rapids  of  the  Ohio,  Since  which  I  have  Sent 
to  Different  tribes  of  Indians  agreeably  to  your  Di- 
rection — 

it  Certainly  is  very  mortifying  to  Make  overtures 
of  peace  to  the  Indians  while  the  ground  is  yet  Reek- 
ing with  the  blood  of  our  Mefsengers,  But  as  it  is  the 
Intention  of  Goverment  to  Effect  a  truce  for  a  Final 
general  treaty,  and  that  this  war  is  so  disagreeable 
to  the  people  of  the  United  States,  I  have  every  ex- 
pectation that  you  will  Be  able  (through  this  channel) 
to  bring  the  affair  to  a  pacific  Conclusion 

I  Suppose  that  you  will  meet  with  great  Difficul- 
ties in  afcending  the  Wabash  :  I  think  that  the  Most 
expeditious  way,  would  be  to  leave  a  part  of  your 
Effects  on  the  Margin  of  the  River  with  a  Small  guard 
and  for  the  pirogues  to  return  immediately  — 

I  have  Sent  all  the  men  I  Could  Spare  which  is 
fifty  one,  and  a  Frenchman  to  each  pirogue  — 
I  have  the  Honor  to  be 
Sir  with  very  great 

Respect  your  Most  obedient 
and  Very  humble  Servent  — 

J  F  HAMTRAMCK 

Brigd  G.  Putnam  — 


328        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 


letter  from  general  wilkinson 

Fort  Washington 

Sept:  8th  1792 
Sir 

I  arrived  at  this  place  last  Evening  from  the  out 
Parts,  &  had  the  pleasure  to  receive  the  enclosed  let- 
ters &  papers  for  you,  which  I  have  sent  forward  to 
Louisville,  to  go  from  thence  exprefs  to  Fort  Knox, 
where  I  trust  in  God  they  may  find  you  in  health, 
&  progrefsing  to  your  satisfaction,  in  the  important 
Businefs  on  your  Hands.  — 

I  have  recently  made  a  tour  to  the  unfortunate 
Field  of  Action,  where  I  discovered  a  Six  &  a  three 
Pound  piece  of  Brafs  ordinance  ;  from  thence  I  pushed 
forward  a  reconnitring  Party,  (properly  provided  for 
taking  the  course  &  distance),  to  the  S*  Marys,  the 
nearest  part  of  which  by  the  Indian  path  is  forty 
miles  from  the  Field  of  Action  —  this  party  marched 
fifty  one  Miles,  when  they  came  to  a  very  noted  Sugar 
Camp,  known  to  one  of  them,  &  on  the  East  side  of 
the  S*  Marys,  about  eight  Miles  from  the  Junction  of 
that  River  &  the  S*  Joseph  —  I  have  now  every  thing 
to  be  wished  for,  relativly  to  that  Route.  —  From 
the  Field  of  Action,  I  fell  back  on  Genl.  S*  Clairs 
trace  about  eight  miles,  to  free  me  from  the  Ponds  & 
Marshes,  formed  by  the  Head  Waters  of  the  Wabash, 
&  then  Steering  an  E.  S.  E.  course,  I  turned  the 
Sources  of  the  Western  Branch  of  the  Big  Miami, 
which  I  find  navigable  above  Fort  Jefferson,  (&  in  a 
N.  E.  b.  N.  direction  from  that  Post,)  about  Sixteen 
miles.  I  descended  that  stream  twenty  miles,  &  found 
the  Bed  thereof,  from  one  hundred  to  one  hundred  & 
twenty  yards  wide,  flat  &  free  from  rapids  —  I  have 
in  Person  &  by  detachments,  fully  explored  the  Coun- 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        329 

try  between  the  Miami  &  Genl  S*  Clairs  Route,  and 
find  that  He  was  much  too  far  to  the  Westward  — 
which  not  only  increased  the  distance  but  threw  Him 
into  bad  ground  —  a  South  course  run  from  a  Point 
about  ten  Miles  East  of  Fort  Jefferson,  struck  Fort 
Hamilton  exactly  ;  I  marched  myself  further  East  in 
ordor  to  examine  the  River,  which  bears  S.  E.  & 
N.  W.  and  after  leaving  it  &  runing  upon  courses 
from  S.  S.  E,  to  S.  b.  W.  struck  the  main  River  about 

Six  Miles  above  Hamilton if  thefe  details  answer 

no  other  purpose,  they  may  amuse  you  for  a  mo- 
ment. — 

A  Woman  taken  on  the  4*^  of  November,  (Mary 
M^Knight)  escaped  from  the  Enemy  &  after  fifteen 
days  travel,  gained  fort  Jefferson  on  the  30*'^  Ult™°.  I 
got  no  satisfaction  from  Her,  as  she  appeared  to  be 
uninformed,  was  reduced  to  a  Skeleton  &  withal  was 
very  ill  —  She  informed  me  however  that  most  of  the 
Indians  had  gone  to  Detroit,  but  that  Several  Parties 
of  Pottawatamies  had  gone  ofif  to  attend  a  Treaty 
which  they  heard  was  to  be  held  at  S*  Vincennes,  — 
one  of  thefe  Parties  a  few  days  before,  I  verily  believe 
fired  upon  Fort  Jefferson  —  .  — 

My  last  Letters  from  Genl.  Wayne  are  under  the 
date  of  the  5^^  Ult™°,  &  I  now  transcribe  &  enclose 
the  Copy  ^  of  the  most  Interesting  one  for  your  satis- 
faction —  In  this,  you  have  every  Information  I  pof- 
sefs,  as  to  the  future  views,  plans  or  objects  of  Gov- 
ernment —  I  have  rec*^  no  reinforcement,  &  but  a  very 
small  quantity  of  forage  has  arrived  here.  I  anti- 
cipate a  terrible  deficiency  in  that  article,  &  was  I 
now  to  bring  the  Horfe  from  Kentucky,  they  would 
probably  starve  before  the  Spring  —  I  shall  there- 
fore continue  them  where  they  now  are,  until  the 

^  Page  330. 


330        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

Dragoons  arrive,  and  as  for  the  Chickafaws  I  can  find 
no  employ  for  them  until  offensive  operations  are  re- 
commenced. I  shall  therefore  continue  to  rest  the 
Security  of  our  Convoys  &  the  Duties  of  Scouting  & 
recconnitring,  upon  the  Kentucky  Corps,  which  will 
be  kept  up.  — 

The  Enemy  continue  their  depradations,  generally 
from  this  to  the  head  of  the  River,  in  small  preda- 
tory parties ;  Barbee  [?]  pursued  a  party  which  had 
stolen  fourteen  of  his  Horfes,  overtook  them,  killed 
one  &  recovered  his  Cattle  —  in  the  -same  manner 
a  fecond  has  been  killed  by  the  Militia  of  Columbia 
—  and  the  Rifle  Corps  is  now  in  pursuit  of  a  strong 
party,  which  stole  thirty  or  forty  of  the  Q'^  M""^  &  Con- 
tractors Horfe  from  Fort  Hamilton,  the  night  before 
last.  —  I  do  not  recollect  any  thing  I  can  add,  worthy 
your  attention.  I  therefore  with  the  warmest  wishes 
for  your  succefs  in  your  Mifsion,  &  for  your  safe  re- 
turn, am  with  sincere  respect  &  regard 

Dear  Sir  Y^  Obd  Sv* 

JA.  Wilkinson 
Gen^  Putnam 

pray  remember  me  to  Mr.  Hackenwelder. 


COPY  OF    LETTER    FROM    GENL  WAYNE    TO   GENERAL  WILKINSON 

[Enclosed  in  the  preceding  letter,] 

Pittsburgh  5*  August  1792 
Sir 

Since  writing  you  on  the  31**  Ultimo  I  have  been 
honored  with  yours  of  the  12*^  of  July,  enclosing 
copies  of  letters  to  the  Secretary  of  war,  and  other 
papers ;  I  am  obliged  by  your  ideas,  respecting  the 
Enemy  we  have  to  contend  with,  which  perfectly, 
coincide  with  my  own,  but  I  fear,  that  the  feason  will 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        331 

pafs  over  previously,  to  our  knowing  the  Ultimate 
intentions  of  the  Hostile  Indians,  with  respect  to 
peace,  or  War,  —  nor  can  we  attempt  any  thing,  untill 
that  event  is  known,  altho  from  present  appearances, 
there  can  be  but  little  expectation  of  an  Honorable 
and  lasting  peace,  with  a  victorious,  haughty  and  in- 
sidious enemy,  —  Stimulated,  by  British  emifsaries, 
to  a  continuence  of  the  war,  —  or  to  dictate,  terms  of 
peace,  perhaps,  disgraceful  to  the  American  Char- 
acter ;  —  but,  such  was  the  prevailing  disposition  of 
a  decided  Majority  in  Congrefs  —  that  goverment, 
was  compeled  to  adopt  the  measure,  of  attempting 
every  pofsible  means  of  procuring  peace,  —  previ- 
ously, to  any  Hostile  operation. 

I  fear  that  Major  Trueman,  and  Colonel  Harding, 
have  been  Martyrs  to  this  State  policy,  —  the  account 
brought  by  M""  Vigo  from  S*  Vincennes  of  their 
murder,  is  too  strongly  corroborated,  by  recent  in- 
telligence, by  way  of  Detroit,  &  Niagara.  M""  Rose- 
crantz,  who  is  on  a  mifsion  to,  &  with,  the  five  nations, 
writes  on  the  19*^  Ultimo,  that  a  vefsel  has  Just  ar- 
rived from  Detroit,  in  which  was  an  Indian  from  the 
mouth  of  the  Miami,  of  Lake  Erie,  who  says,  that  an 
officer,  and  one  man  bearing  a  flag,  were  killed  on 
their  way  to  the  Council  of  Hostile  Indians,  but  that 
the  interpreter  —  who  spoke  the  Delaware  language 
very  well,  was  saved,  and  carried  in  as  a  prisoner. 
Should  this  be  really  the  case,  it  will  soon  be  authen- 
ticated ;  as  the  five  Nations  have  sent  Cap*  Henry, 
a  famous  chief  of  the  Unadago  nation,  with  a  mef- 
sage  from  themselves,  and  a  talk  from  the  Prcsidcjit 
of  the  United  States,  to  the  hostile  Indians,  and  from 
whom,  they  expected  to  hear  every  hour.  —  Rose- 
crantz,  waits  his  return.  Nothwithstand  [ing]  all  this, 
I  have  very  little  expectation  ;  of  any  real  intention, 


332        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

in  the  hostile  Indians,  for  a  permanent  peace  —  and 
therfore  wish,  it  were  pofsible,  to  secure  a  very  large 
quantity  of  hay  at  Fort  Jefferson. 

My  intention,  was,  to  reinforce  you,  with  the  three 
companies  of  Rifle  men  mentioned  in  my  last,  im- 
mediately, but,  unfortunately,  their  Clothing-  is  not 
yet  arrived  at  this  place  ;  owing  to  some  unaccounta- 
ble neglect.  I  expect  the  Dragoons  for  two  troops  of 
Cavalry,  at  this  place,  in  the  course  of  a  few  days. 
They  marched  from  Trenton  &  Fredrick  town,  be- 
tween the  20*^  &  24*^  Ultimo,  the  moment  they  ar- 
rive, I  will  arm  them  with  Muskets,  &  Bayonets,  and 
order  them  to  descend  the  river  for  Fort- Washington, 
carrying  with  them,  the  arms  and  accoutrements, 
for  the  Cavalry,  —  you  will  therfore  please,  to  give 
the  necefsary  orders  for  the  Horse,  upon  which  they 
are  to  be  mounted,  —  (that  have  been  purchased  by 
the  Deputy  Q.  M.  G.  in  Kentucky)  to  be  collected  at 
fome  fafe,  and  convenient  place  for  the  purpose  ;  you 
may  certainly  expect  them  to  Join  you,  within  two 
weeks,  after  the  rec*  of  this  —  &  probably,  the  Rifle 
corps  about  the  same  time,  or  within  twenty  days  at 
farthest,  which  I  presume,  will  be  as  early  as  you 
could  pofsibly  obtain  Volunteer  Rifle  Corps,  from 
Kentucky. 

But,  as  the  timely  arrival  of  these  troops  is  even- 
tual, you  are  hereby  authorised,  to  retain  the  Hun- 
dred mounted  Volunteers  from  Kentucky,  untill  Joined 
by  the  troops  before  mentioned,  and  if  you  can  do 
the  businefs,  without  risking  too  much,  do  exert  every 
nerve,  to  fecure  as  great  a  quantity  of  hay  as  pofsi- 
ble, at  Fort  Jefferson. 

I  do  not  know  what  number  of  Chickasaws  are 
expected  at  Nashville  —  Should  the  war  progrefs, 
or  that,  in  your  opinion  —  these  Indians  will  be  ser- 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        333 

viceable,  —  you  may  order  them  to  Join  you  ;  of  this 
however,  you  are  constituted  the  Judge,  &  will  act  ac- 
cordingly ;  The  troops  collect  very  Slow  —  but  I  am 
informed  by  the  Secretary  of  War,  that  a  considera- 
ble number  of  recruits,  are  now  on  their  march  from 
the  Several  States,  to  form  a  Junction  at  this  place. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be  with  fmcere  esteem 
your  most  obed* 
The  Honorable        ^  &  very  humble  Servant 

Brig*^  General  >     (Signed)        Ant'^  Wayne 

James  Wilkinson  J 

SPEECH   TO   THE    EEL   RIVER   AND    WEYA    INDIANS 

Brothers 

of  the  Eel  River,  and  Weya  Tribes  — 

I  thank  the  great  fpirit  that  has  given  us  an  opper- 
tunity  to  See  and  fpeek  to  one  another  at  this  time  — 
Brothers  —  you  have  ben  long  mourning  for  your 
frinds  and  relations,  but  this  day  reflores  them  to 
your  arms. 

The  Great  Chief  of  the  United  States  always  wifhes 
to  make  people  happy,  and  therefore  as  foon  as  he 
was  informed  of  your  agreement  with  Major  Ham- 
tramck  he  imediately,  gave  order  that  all  your  frinds 
who  ware  with  us  fhould  be  rellored  to  you.  And  you 
may  rest  afsured,  that,  from  my  heart,  I  feal  happy 
in  haveing  had  the  honour  to  put  this  ordor  in  exe- 
cution, &  bringing  your  frinds  and  relations  to  meet 
you  here.  — 
Brothers  of  the  Weyas 

one  of  your  Chiefs  has  died  while  on  a  visit  to  fee 
his  family,  on  this  account  I  See  tears  in  your  eyes, 
but  I  have  buried  your  Chief  with  all  the  refpect  due 
to  a  Chief  of  my  own  Nation,    permit  me  then  to 


334        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

wipe  all  tears  from  your  Eyes,  weep  no  longer  for 
the  Dead  but  rejoice  in  the  living 
ViNCENNEs,  Sept  13th  1792  R  Putnam 

addition  all  general  matters  will  be  attended  to 
when  the  Chiefs  of  the  Several  tribes  expected  fhall 
arrive  in  the  mean  time  you  will  retire  to  your  Vil- 
lage up  the  river  and  you  will  have  notice  when  the 
other  Chiefs  arrive  — 

COPY   OF   AN  ADDRESS    TO   THE    PEOPLE   OF   VINCENNES 

Publifhed  both  in  Englifh  &  French 

By  Rufus  Putnam  Esquire,  one  of  the  Judges  in 
and  over  the  Teritory  Northwest  of  the  River 
Ohio  Brigadier  General  in  the  Army  of  the  United 
States,  and  Agent  for  treating  with  the  Indians  — 

To  the  inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Vincennes  Frinds 
and  fellow  Cittizens. 

it  is  prefumed  that  none  of  you  are  Ignorent,  that 
a  treaty  is  about  to  be  holden  with  the  Indians  at 
this  place,  and  that  for  fome  time  pall  they  have 
ben  collecting  for  that  purpos.  nor  can  any  of  you 
be  uninformed  of  the  Law  that  prohibits  the  Selling 
any  Spiritious  liquors  to  Indians  and  it  must  be  ob- 
vious to  every  one  who  will  reflect  on  the  Subject 
that  this  Law  is  founded  on  the  principles  of  Mor- 
rallity  and  humanity  and  therfore  ought  at  all  times 
most  relegiously  to  be  obferved,  but  more  efpecially 
at  the  prefent  time.  —  I  do  therefore  with  the  Solici- 
tude of  a  frind  as  well  the  authority  of  a  Magistrate, 
forbid  all  perfons,  of  whatever  degree,  thofe  who  have 
obtained  licence  for  tradeing  with  them  as  well  as 
others  from  Selling  Spiritious  liquors  to  the  Indians 
untill  the  treaty  which  is  about  to  be  holden  Shall 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        335 

be  concluded  —  And  all  officers  Civil  and  Military 
are  called  on  in  an  efpecial  maner  to  exert  them 
felves  in  detecting  and  bringing  to  punilhment  all 
offenders,  and  the  people  in  general  are  reminded 
that  it  is  their  duty,  and  that  all  good  Citizens  will 
not  only  keep  the  law  themfelves  but  ufe  their  en- 
devor  to  have  the  tranfgrefser  punifhed  —  But  Should 
any  be  So  lost  to  their  duty  and  Intrest  as  to  perlist 
in  tranfgrefsion  under  an  Idea  that  no  conviction 
can  be  had  on  the  testimony  of  an  Indian  Witnefs ; 
they  are  informed  that  on  Such  evidence  or  on  Cir- 
cumllances  that  give  reafonabl  ground  of  Sufpition  I 
Shall  not  hisetate  to  take  the  party  Suspected  and 
his  licquors  into  custoday  Securing  the  latter  in  the 
public  maggazean  untill  the  treaty  is  over,  and  lay- 
ing the  party  under  Bonds  or  for  want  of  Sureties 
commit  him,  her  or  them  to  prifon 

Given  under  my  hand  at  Post  Vincent  this  16*^ 

day  of  September  1792 

R  Putnam 

A  Copy  — 

A  JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROCEEDINGS  AT  A  COUNCIL  HELD  WITH 
THE  INDIANS  OF  THE  WABASH  AND  ILLINOIS  AT  POST  VIN- 
CENTS,   BY   BRIGADIER   GENERAL   PUTNAM 

In  consequence  of  General  Putnams  Speech  of 
the  24'^  of  July  last,^  the  following  Tribes  viz*  Eel- 
River,  Weaughtenows,  Powtawattemows,  Kekaw- 
poos,  Peankeshaws,  Musquetans  &  Kaskaskias,  met 
him  in  the  Councill  Houfe  at  Post  Vincents  at  10 
oClock  in  the  forenoon  of  the  24.^^  Day  of  September 
1792. 

After  a  profound  silence,  General  Putnam  ad- 
drefsed  them : 

1  Page  307. 


336        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

Brothers  !  Let  us  Smoke  a  Pipe  of  Friendship. 
Tobacco  being  presented  &  Pipes  being  lit  by  an  In- 
terpreter, he  Shool<:  hands  with  all  present,  beginning 
with  those  who  live  in  the  East,  and  ending  with 
those  who  live  in  the  West ;  according  to  custom  on 
those  occafions.  after  which  he  read  by  Periods  the 
following  Speech  viz*  — 

Brothers  of  the  Eel-River,  Weaughtenows,  Powta- 
wattemows,  Kakawpoos,  Peankeshaws,  Musquetons 
and  Kaskaskias. 

I  congratulate  you  on  our  first  meeting  together 
this  day.  My  Speeches  which  I  sent  you  60  Days 
ago  have  reached  you,  and  you  are  now  come  to 
hear  what  I  have  to  say  to  You.  We  meet  one  an- 
other for  a  good  purpose ;  and  the  great  Spirit  who 
has  preserved  our  Lives  to  this  day,  where  we  see 
one  another  face  to  face,  and  shake  hands  together, 
will  be  witnefs  to  all  our  Transactions.  We  meet  to- 
gether on  no  strange  Ground.  It  is  the  ground  on 
which  Your  Anceflors  have  kindled  a  Council-fire, 
and  where  You  since  have  often  met  and  Smoked 
the  Pipe  of  Peace.  This  fire  must  always  be  kept 
burning  bright,  so  that  You  and  Your  Allies  may  see 
it  and  meet  one  another  at  all  times  without  difficulty 
or  fear ;  there  to  Smoke  the  Pipe  of  Friendship  and 
Love. 
Brothers 

I  rofe  from  the  great  Council-Fire  of  the  United- 
States  four  Months  ago.  There  I  saw  the  Chiefs  of 
the  five-Fires,  and  the  Chiefs  of  the  Cherokee  Nation 
smoke  the  Pipe  of  Peace  with  the  great  Chief  of  the 
United  States,  General  Washington.  The  Fire  was 
burning  bright,  and  all  that  were  arround  it  felt 
happy.  The  great  Chief  wished  this  happinefs  to 
extend  to  all  Nations.    His  Council-Fire  is  kindled 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        337 

for  the  benefit  of  all  Nations.    He  loves  to  see  his 

Brothers,  to  talk  and  Smoke  with  them. 

Brothers 

While  the  great  Chief  General  Washington  was 
thus  joyful  with  his  Brothers  that  were  with  him,  he 
looked  around,  and  saw  with  Sorrow  that  some  of  his 
distant  Brothers  could  not  enjoy  this  happinefs  with 
him  at  present.  He  observed  that  a  dark  Cloud  had 
sprung  up  between  them  and  the  United-States  some 
time  ago  ;  and  that  this  Cloud  had  darkened  the  Sky 
so  much ;  that  his  Brothers  and  the  People  of  the 
United  States  could  not  distinguish  one  another,  but 
stumbled  against  each  other,  and  struck  the  Tom- 
hock  in  each  others  heads. 
Brothers ! 

The  great  Chief  wishing  to  have  this  dark  Cloud 
removed  and  dispersed  —  to  see  the  Tomhock  drawn 
out  of  the  heads  of  each  other  and  buried  in  the  Deep 

—  To  take  each  other  by  the  hand  anew,  and  establish 
a  good  and  lasting  Friendship  between  all  his  Brothers 
and  the  United  States :  has  appointed  me  his  Agent 
for  this  Purpose.  I  am  therefore  come  to  You  in  con- 
fidence that  we  shall  be  able  to  accomplish  this  great 
Work,  and  I  may  then  return  again  to  the  great 
Chief  with  Afsurances  of  Friendship  and  Peace. 
Brothers 

I   told  You  in  my  Speech  which  I  sent  You  ;  that 
when    I   came  I   should   bring   Your   Women   and 
Children  with  me,  and  return  them  to  their  Friends  — 
They  are  now  with  You. 
Brothers  1 

I  shall  always  speak  to  You  from  my  Heart,  not 
from  my  Lip's  only  —  Speak  also  from  Your  Hearts 

—  Tell  me  the  caufe  of  Your  Uneasinefs,  and  I  will 
endeavor  to  remove  it. 


338        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

The  above  Speech  being  Interpreted  by  Periods 
to  the  several  Tribes  by  William  Wells,  Rene  Co- 
der, Capt"  Mayet  and  John  Baptist  Constant,  their 
respective  Interpreters ;  General  Putnam  delivered 
them  a  bunch  of  white  Wampum  containing  Six 
Strings. 

After  a  long  Silence,   a  Chief  of  the  Eel  River 
Tribe  rofe  —  shook  hands,  and  after  apologizing  for 
being  Sick,  said  : 
My  Older  Brother ! 

All  Your  Brothers  have  heard  You  and  rejoice  at 
what  You  have  said  —  I  shall  say  no  more  at  pre- 
sent, but  we  will  consult  among  ourselves,  and  will 
return  You  an  Answer  tomorrow  —  You  are  right, 
by  saying  that  we  meet  one  another  on  no  strange 
ground  —  It  is  the  very  place  where  our  former 
Chiefs  met  and  smoked  together,    (retired) 

Next  a  Chief  of  the  Weaughtenows  rofe,  shook 
hands  and  said. 
My  Older  Brother ! 

I  am  very  glad  that  what  I  always  told  the  Na- 
tions, is  come  to  pafs. 
My  Older  Brother 

I  never  told  a  falsehood  to  my  Father  the  French, 
nor  to  my  Brothers  the  Americans  —  We  are  all 
glad  at  what  You  have  said,  and  will  consider  upon 
it,  and  give  You  an  Answer  to-morrow. 
Another  Chief  of  the  Weaughtenows  rofe  and  desired 
the  Nations  not  to  detain  the  General,  but  to  dispatch 
the  Bufsinefs. 

Another  Chief  of  the  same  Nation  rofe,  shook  hands 
and  said  to  General  Putnam  — You,  Major  Ham- 
tramck  and  Mr  Prior,  told  me  there  would  be  a 
Treaty  :  Now  it  is  come  to  pafs  :  and  we  are  met  for 
that   purpose  —  At  such  important  meetings  delib- 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        339 

eration  and  time  are  necefsary  —  Let  us  not  then  be 

in  too  great  a  hurry  —  We  will  consider  with    one 

another   upon   it,  and   return   an   Answer  to  Your 

Speech. 

A  Chief  of  the  Poutewattemows  next  rofe,  shook 

hands  &  said  : 

Father ! 

All  white  People  who  have  hitherto  spoken  to  Us, 
always  called  Us  Children :  I  shall  therefore  call  You 
Father.  We  are  all  Your  Children  —  You  have 
spoken  well  to  Us  —  You  have  spoken  from  Your 
Heart  —  We  will  likewife  Speak  from  our  Hearts  — 
I  am  glad  at  this  Opportunity  of  speaking  to  You  — 
The  great  Spirit  directed  right  that  we  should  meet 
on  this  ground  —  It  is  ours  altho  we  have  a  Yellow 
Skin,  and  not  Yours ;  —  but  when  we  have  a  mind 
to  give  away  any,  we  will  do  it  —  (shook  hands)  and 
added  :  —  to  morrow  we  will  Answer  Your  Speech 
A  Kekapoo  Chief  rofe  &  said 
My  Older  Brother 

What  I  have  to  say,  has  already  been  said  by 
those  who  spoke  before  me  —  We  shall  Answer 
fully  to-morrow  —  We  now  wish  to  retire  ;  our  Wo- 
men and  Children  being  hungry. 
A  Chief  of  the  Kaskaskias  Tribe,  John  Baptist  Du- 
coigne  rofe  and  shook  hands  with  Ceremony ;  then 
said : 
My  Older  Brother 

I  shall  always  call  You  my  older  Brother  —  I  re- 
joice from  my  Heart  to  see  You  —  My  body  is  not 
only  come  here ;  my  Heart  is  also  here  to  speak  to 
You  —  I  rejoice  to  see  the  Indian  Nations  take  You 
by  the  hand  —  I  always  recommended  to  them,  to 
be  friends  to  Congrefs,  General  Washington  and  all 
the  Americans  —  I  now  desire  them  to  listen  with 


340       OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

attention  to  what  is  said  to  them,  and  to  return  You 
an  Answer  sincerely  —  I  mean  to  do  so  for  my  own 
part  —  (shook  hands  and  retired) 
A  Queen  of  the  Weaughtenows  rofe,  and  shaking 
hands  with  General  Putnam,  apologized  for  her  Sons' 
not  being  here ;  saying :  They  are  wicked  when 
they  are  drunkk  —  They  have  done  a  great  deal  of 
Mischief  —  Yet  she  should  say  something  for  them. 
Their  Older  Brothers  (meaning  the  Miamis  &"=  In- 
dians) spurr'd  them  to  do  mischief  —  They  were  not 
therefore  altogether  to  blame. 

A  Peorian  Chief  rofe  and  shook  hands  in  Ceremony : 
then  said : 
My  Older  Brother 

I  wish  men  of  more  Sense  than  I  am,  would  rife 
and  speak ;  yet  I  will  say  something  —  The  Old 
Chiefs  make  me  strong  —  Upon  You  I  look  as  my 
Friend  —  I  will  stand  by  You  —  The  old  Chiefs  will 
hear  and  make  You  an  Answer  —  The  white  People 
have  more  sense  than  we,  who  have  a  Yellow  Col- 
our—  They  were  made  first,  and  they  ought  to  be 
hearkened  to.    (retired) 

General  Putnam  then  rofe  and  addrefsed  the  Tribes 
thus : 

Brothers  I  You  are  very  right  in  postponing  the 
Answer  till  to-morrow  ;  and  if  You  want  more  time, 
You  shall  have  it.  Now  we  will  drink  a  Dram  to- 
gether, and  retire  for  to  day. 

Adjourned  at  2  °Clock. 
The  Council  met  at  10  °Clock  forenoon  25*''  Sep- 
tember. 

Some  old  Diplomas,  Pafses  and  Recommendations 
were  presented  by  several  Indians,  which  after  pe- 
rusing, General  Putnam  returned  again.  —  then  — 

Ducoigne  a  Chief  of  the  Kaskaskias  rofe  with  a 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        341 

long  Pipe,  well  adorned  and  lit,  addrefsing  the  Gen- 
eral : 
My  Older  Brother 

You  are  now  to  smoke  with  us  out  of  the  Pipe  of 
Peace  of  our  Ancesters  —  He  next  held  the  Pipe  to 
the  General  to  smoke,  and  then  to  evry  person  pre- 
sent ;  in  Ceremony  —  In  the  mean  time  a  Weaugh- 
tenow  Chief  rose  and  said  : 
My  Older  Brother 

Permit  us  to  deliver  our  Answer  to  Your  Speech, 
through  our  Younger  Brother  of  Kaskaskias  (Du- 
coigne)  for  tho  he  is  Young,  he  is  the  best  Speaker ; 
and  therefore  we  have  chosen  him  to  speak  our  Sen- 
timents. He  is  unanimously  chosen  by  all  the  Tribes 
present  for  that  Purpofe. 

Ducoigne  then  came  forward  with  the  same  Pipe 
in  his  hands  &  made  the  following  speech.  — 

My  Older  Brother,  (shaking  the  Generals  hands  in 
his  with  great  fervour) 

All  my  Brothers  listen  to  me.  we  shall  now  talk 
of  fair  weather.  — 

My  older  Brothers,  Congrefs,  General  Washington 
&  all  Americans  open  your  ears  and  pay  attention  to 
what  I  Ihall  say.  We  all,  together  with  our  Queens, 
present  you  with  this  Pipe,  which  has  never  been 
stained.  It  will  incline  you  to  respect  truth,  and  to 
pay  attention  to  what  I  say.  We  all  have  one  heart. 
I  am  called  upon  to  speak  truth  from  that  heart. 
We  wish  you  to  conceal  nothing  ;  to  speak  truth  and 
make  the  hearts  of  our  women  &  children  glad.  — 
My  Older  Brother. 

Be  strong.   We  are  come  to  talk  of  Peace.    Be 
strong. 
My  older  Brother. 

Take  this  Pipe  and  present  it  to  the  great  Chief 


342        OFFICIAL  CORRESPONDENCE 

General  Washington.  We  expect  that  he  will  smoke 
out  of  it,  (He  here  presented  the  pipe  to  General 
Putnam.)  then  he  took  up  a  large  Belt,  with  thirteen 
diamonds  wrought  in  it,  and  turning  to  the  Indians 
addrefsed  them  as  follows.  — 

You  my  Brothers  of  all  nations  present :  I  am  glad 
you  are  afsembled  here.  I  call  upon  you  to  hearken 
to  what  I  say  to  our  Brother  of  the  United  States. 
Pay  good  attention  to  the  Speech  made  to  us  yester- 
day by  our  older  Brother.  I  should  have  been  glad 
if  matters  had  remained  as  they  were  in  the  days  of 
the  French.  Then,  all  the  Country  was  clear  &  open. 
—  (He  repeated  the  same  words  again)  —  Then  turn- 
ing to  the  General  and  shaking  hands  with  him  he 
said, 
My  Older  Brother. 

The  French  English  &  Spainards  never  took  any 
lands  from  us.    We  expect  the  same  of  you.  — 
My  older  Brother, 

These  are  the  sentiments  of  the  Indian  Tribes. 
We  would  regret  the  lofs  of  our  beds.  The  Author 
of  life  created  us  on  these  lands  ;  and  we  wish  to  live 
and  die  on  them.  —  No  person  can  take  them  from 
us  but  he  who  gave  them  to  us 
My  older  Brother. 

Were  the  French,  English  or  Spainards  to  attack 
us,  what  would  become  of  us.   We  request  of  you 
never  to  usurp  our  Lands.    Neither  to  destroy  our 
Game.  — 
My  older  Brother, 

I  tell  you  the  plain  truth.    Our  Lands  have  been 
stained  with  blood,  which  grieves  us.    But  now  we 
are  glad,  you  are  come  for  the  purpose  of  Peace.  — 
My  Older  Brother, 

Do  not  blame  us  for  striking  you.   It  was  the  Eng- 


OFFICIAL  CORRESPONDENCE        343 

lish  that  gave  us  the  Tomhock  to  strike  you.   You 
cannot  be  ignorant  of  the  cause  of  the  war.  — 
My  older  Brother. 

This  war  has  destroyed  many  of  our  People  who 
would  otherwise  be  here,  but  I  am  convinced  you 
will  wipe  off  the  stains  that  have  been  made  on  our 
lands.    This  is  the  wish  of  all  of  us.  — 
My  older  Brother, 

You  are  many  and  so  are  we.  Were  we  on  the 
same  land  we  might  quarrel.  It  is  best  that  the  white 
People  live  in  their  own  Country  &  we  in  our's. 
Formally  our  Lands  were  extensive.  Now  they  are 
but  small.  Therefore  we  wish  to  keep  what  we  have. 
We  desire  of  you  to  remain  on  the  other  side  of  the 
river  Ohio.  These  are  the  sentiments  of  all  the  Chiefs 
&  Warriors. 
My  Older  Brother, 

Observe  how  clear  the  sky  is  today.  —  It  is  a  good 
Omen.  It  has  been  clear,  since  we  began  to  speak. 
It  promises  that  our  negociation  will  succeed.  Which 
is  the  ardent  wish  &  defire  of  all  the  Tribes  here 
present.  — 
My  older  Brother, 

The  English  &  Spainards  by  giving  us  goods 
endeavour  to  keep  us  strangers  to  you.  —  It  is  the 
cause  that  there  are  no  more  of  us  here.  —  We  desire 
you  to  consider  our  Poverty,  and  to  send  us  some- 
thing every  spring  to  make  us  comfortable.  —  You 
have  it  in  your  power  to  render  us  all  happy,  and 
to  rejoice  our  women  &  children.  We  desire  you  to 
send  Traders  among  us. 
My  Older  Brother, 

Here  is  the  belt  —  (now  he  delivers  it)  —  which  we 
request  you  to  deliver  to  the  great  Chief  General 
Washington.  Salute  him  from  us  all ;  and  tell  him 
that  all  have  made  peace. 


344       OFFICIAL  CORRESPONDENCE 

My  Older  Brother, 

As  to  myself  I  fear  you.  —  I  am  acquainted  with 
your  strength.    Nobody  can  overset  you ;  the  great 
Spirit  has  ordered  it  so.    I  wish  to  live  in  peace  with 
you  always.  — 
My  Older  Brother, 

All  these  Chiefs  have  named  me  to  speak  their 
sentiments,  'tho  I  am  the  Youngest,  Now  I  have  fin- 
ished this  Talk.  — 

He  then  turned  to  the  Tribes  and  strongly  recom- 
mended to  them  to  pay  attention  to  what  their  older 
Brother  General  Putnam  said.  —  To  leave  ofi  stealing 
Horses  from  the  Americans,  whom  they  reduced  to 
the  necefsity  of  hoeing  instead  of  plowing.  He  wished 
all  evils  to  cease.  To  walk  in  the  road  that  was  now 
open  &  clear.  —  Made  a  bow  to  the  General  &  re- 
tired. — 

A  Chief  of  the  Weaughtenows  rose  and  said, 
My  older  Brother, 

I  wish  to  say  something  in  behalf  of  this  Chief  who 
has  just  spoken.  He  being  a  man  of  sense  we  chose 
him  to  speak  our  sentiments.  He  has  fulfilled  it  faith- 
fully. —  You  know  now  our  sentiments  respecting 
lands.  All  I  have  to  say  is  to  ask  you  to  take  pity 
on  our  women  &  children. 

He  then  said  he  was  to  speak  for  a  Chief  who  had 
a  pain  in  his  back.  — 
My  older  Brother, 

The  words  I  will  speak  are  the  sentiments  of  my 
heart.  Let  us  from  this  time  lay  every  evil  aside.  I 
have  no  more  to  say.  He  presented  two  strings  of 
white  Wampum.  —  N^  i  ^ 

And  turning  to  the  nations  urged  the  necefsity  of 

1  This  and  subsequent  numbers  refer  to  the  list  of  Extracts  of  Indian 
Speeches  per  yournal  which  follows. 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        345 

Peace.  He  recommended  to  them  to  follow  the  advice 
of  the  Chief  who  died  lately,  who  had  always  advised 
them  to  peace.  — 

A  Powtowattemow  Chief  rose  and  said. 
My  Father, 

I  have  but  litde  to  say.  Our  younger  brother  has 
told  you  our  sentiments.  I  will  do  as  he  does.  You 
see,  my  Father,  how  clear  the  sky  is.  It  is  a  good 
sign.  —  In  the  days  of  the  French  we  lived  in  peace. 
Since  the  English  and  the  Americans  became  our 
fathers  we  have  had  wars.  — 
My  Father, 

I  rejoice  in  what  you  have  told  us.  All  of  us  are 
glad  to  see  you  among  us  this  day.  We  fhall  always 
be  happy  to  see  you,  but  never  take  our  lands  from 
us.  This  is  all  I  have  to  say  ;  To-morrow  I  fhall  open 
my  heart  wider,  and  tell  you  more.  He  shook  hands, 
then  called  up  two  young  Chiefs  of  the  Musquetons, 
informed  General  Putnam,  that  he  was  to  speak  for 
them,  they  being  young  &  bashful.  —  They  presented 
four  long  white  strings  which  they  said  they  received 
from  General  S*  Clair,  saying  they  were  clean  &  they 
had  kept  them  so.  —  N°  2 

Another  young  Chief  rose  and  said, 
My  older  Brother, 

I  am  too  young  to  speak  ;  but  I  will  do  what  you 
desire  of  me  —  He  presented  several  Papers.  — 

An  Ottowey  Chief  rose  and  said. 
My  Older  Brother, 

This  is  the  first  time  you  have  seen  me.  Gen^  S* 
Clair  has  seen  me  and  spoke  to  me.  —  I  have  followed 
his  advice.  I  am  glad  the  sky  is  clear.  I  am  indeed 
glad  of  it :  We  are  all  glad.  I  will  tell  my  nation  all 
I  shall  hear  you  say.  — 


346        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

A  Chief  of  the  Eel-river  Tribe  rose  and  said, 
My  Older  Brother, 

I  return  thanks  to  the  United  States  for  what  you 
have  done.  The  hearts  of  us  Indians  are  all  placed 
on  the  left  side  :  Therefore  I  ftiake  hands  with  the  left 
hand.  I  fhall  speak  with  my  mouth  but  I  fhall  tell 
you  the  sentiments  of  my  heart.  —  My  bed  has  been 
disturbed  (aludingto  Gen^  Wilkinsons  Expedition.)  — 
here  he  delivered  two  strings  of  black  wampum. 
And  took  up  two  of  white  saying,  N°  3 
My  Older  Brother, 

Now  all  darknefs  is  removed.  The  sky  is  clear 
and  I  can  speak  with  chearfulnefs.  The  reason  why 
we  spoke  by  our  brother  of  the  Kaskaskies  is  because 
he  is  wise,  &  acquainted  with  the  United  States. 
Sometimes  the  younger  Brothers  have  more  sense 
than  the  Older.  We  expect  the  great  Chief  General 
Washington  will  smoke  out  of  the  good  pipe  pre- 
sented to  you  in  behalf  of  our  tribes,  (pointing  to  the 
pipe  on  the  Table)  —  And  that  he  may  see  the  smoak 
rise  upwards  out  of  it ;  an  effect  produced  by  the 
clearnefs  of  the  sky.  — 
My  older  Brother, 

Fulfil  what  you  have  said  on  your  part,  &  we  will 
on  ours.  All  our  women  and  children  will  rejoice 
then.  Perhaps  the  great  Spirit  is  now  looking  down 
upon  us.  You  told  us  he  would  be  witnefs  to  every 
thing  we  did.  Perhaps  he  is  so  now.  We  desire  of 
you  to  make  us  known  to  General  Washington  and 
request  of  him  to  confirm  all  you  have  said.  Continue 
as  you  have  begun :  Speak  always  the  truth.  Your 
Brothers  will  likewise  do  so.  You  have  told  us  good 
things.  You  have  desired  us  to  bury  the  Tomhock. 
It  is  true  we  have  made  use  of  it,  but  it  did  not  ori- 
ginate with  us.    It  was  sent  to  us  by  the  nations  who 


OFFICIAL  CORRESPONDENCE        347 

are  now  at  war  with  you.    We  now  bury  it  behind  us 
in  the  Deep.    The  great  Spirit  sees  we  do  it. — 
My  Older  Brother, 

Our  Father  the  French  never  craved  our  Lands. 
Why  fhould  any  person  do  otherwise.  Perhaps  were 
any  person  to  rob  us  of  our  Lands  it  would  provoke 
the  great  Spirit.  It  was  he  that  placed  us  upon  them. 
We  think  it  best  for  you  to  live  Yonder,  with  your 
faces  towards  us,  and  we  to  live  here  with  our  faces 
towards  you.  When  we  want  to  go  to  see  you  we 
can  go  thither  ;  &  when  you  want  to  come  &  see  us 
you  can  come  hither.  — 
My  Older  Brother, 

We  are  indeed  glad  you  appointed  this  Council 
Fire  for  the  place  of  our  meeting.  The  road  is  now 
open  for  you  &  the  nations  of  the  Wabash  to  meet 
&  see  one  another  at  this  place.  He  shook  hands  & 
retired.  — 

A  chief  of  the  Weaughtenows  rose  and  said. 
My  Older  Brother,  (leading  up  a  Queen  of  his  nation) 

I  am  to  speak  for  this  Queen.  If  I  should  say 
any  wrong,  I  beg  to  be  forgiven.  I  promised  to  the 
Commandant  of  this  place,  that  when  my  father  the 
American  would  come,  I  fhould  come  to  speak  to 
him  of  peace.  This  woman,  who  is  my  sister  wishes 
that  this  land  may  no  more  be  stained  with  blood. 
She  desires  you  to  keep  at  a  distance.  He  then  pre- 
sented for  her  four  white  strings.    N°  4 

He  next  turned  to  the  nations  and  desired  them  to 
take  pity  on  their  women  and  children.  To  respect 
peace,  that  they  might  live,  as  they  formarly  did ; 
and  he  retired.  — 

Another  Chief  of  the  same  nation  rose  and  said. 
My  Older  Brother, 

I  shall  take  hold  of  this  great  Chiefs  hands  with 


348        OFFICIAL  CORRESPONDENCE 

both  mine,  for  I  rejoice  at  what  he  has  told  us.   Then 
taking  hold  of  Gen^  Putnams  hands  he  went  on.  — 

I  believe  sincerely  what  you  have  said.    I  am  a 
great  war  Captain.  •  I  confirm  the  Speech  which  Du- 
coigne  delivered  for  us  at  our  request. 
My  Older  Brother 

The  great  Spirit  made  you.  Perhaps  we  are  sprung 
from  the  Fish  (fhook  hands  saying) 

I  can  say  with  truth  I  never  struck  the  white  Peo- 
ple. — 
My  Older  Brother, 

This  has  always  been  a  place  where  we  have  af- 
sembled  to  counsel,  and  it  is  to  remain  so.  Our 
Ancestors  have  prepared  this  place  for  that  purpose. 
Much  businefs  of  importance  has  been  transacted 
here.  —  And  now,  perhaps,  those  who  are  dead  & 
buried  beneath  where  we  are  sitting  look  up  to  us.  — 
My  Older  Brother, 

The  great  Spirit  placed  us  upon  this  land.   I  hope 
therefore  we  will  enjoy  it  in  peace.    Do  not  any  more 
set  fire  to  our  Towns.   The  French  never  did  so.  — 
My  Older  Brother, 

You  have  rendered  us  all  happy.  We  thank  you 
for  all  the  good  words  you  have  spoken  to  us.  We 
expect  you  will  render  us  still  more  so,  before  you 
leave  us.  —  I  have  no  reason  to  fear  I  never  hurt 
anybody.  —  (fhook  hands  &  retired.)  — 

A  Kekapoo  Chief  rose  with  a  long  Pipe  adorned 
&  lit,  which  he  held  to  the  General  to  smoke  out  of 
it,  and  then  handed  it  round  the  council  in  cere- 
mony. —  He  then  said, 
My  Older  Brother, 

I  am  young  and  cannot  speak  loud.  I  am  of  the 
same  mind  with  my  older  Brothers  who  have  spoken. 
It  was  they  who  put  me  in  the  right  road.  — 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        349 

My  Older  Brother, 

Out  of  this  Pipe  of  Peace  many  have  smoked. 
Observe  how  the  smolce  rises  up  straight  in  the  sky. 
—  It  is  a  token  that  everything  will  be  clear.  I  ex- 
pect the  great  Chief  General  Washington  will  smoke 
out  of  it.  —  Every  thing  now  has  the  appearance  of 
peace.  It  is  true  there  has  been  blood  spilt  on  the 
Wabash.  We  hope  it  will  never  more  be  the  case.  — 
My  Older  Brother, 

The  sentiments  of  our  tribe  have  been  made  known 
to  you  already  by  our  Brother  Ducoigne.  I  have 
only  to  add,  that  since  on  both  sides  there  are  foolish 
people,  it  is  best  for  us  to  live  at  a  distance.  —  I  wish 
you  to  remain  on  the  other  side  of  the  Ohio ;  But  yet 
we  wish  to  have  a  trade  with  you.  — 
My  Older  Brother 

Since  we  have  met  together  for  the  purpose  of 
speaking  with  one  another:  and  of  establishing  a 
peace.  We  ought  to  speak  our  sentiments  freely  and 
do  the  businefs  compleatly.  — 

(He  then  shook  hands  and  retired)  — 

A  Peorian  Chief  rose,  shook  hands  &  said. 
My  Older  Brother, 

I  come  in  to  speak  the  last,  and  may  be  compared 
with  a  Stearsman.    I  shall  therefore  act  as  such  and 
keep  the  Perogue  straight. 
My  Older  Brother, 

I  am  glad  the  sky  is  clear.    While  you  spoke  my 
heart  was  glad.    I  am  now  truely  rejoiced,    I  take 
fast  hold  of  the  United  States,    as  I  do  of  your  two 
hands.  —  fhook  hands  with  fervour.  — 
My  Older  Brother, 

I  hope  the  land  will  be  as  clear  as  the  sky :  and 
the  fires  in  every  Vilage  will  burn  bright.  — 

He  presented  three  short  white  strings    N°  5 


350       OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

My  Older  Brother, 

Continue  as  you  have  begun.  Wipe  off  all  the 
stains.  Make  our  women  &  children  happy.  What- 
ever you  do  this  with  will  please  them,  and  they 
and  our  children  will  gather  it  up.  —  Consider  our 
poverty.  —  And  send  us  something  for  our  women 
and  children  every  spring.  —  He  retired. 

A  Peankeshaw  Chief  rose  and  jocosely  said. 

The  great  Chief,  who  has  spoken  to  us  wants 
peace  and  I  want  a  wife.  If  he  will  give  me  a  wife  I 
will  give  him  peace.    Then 

He  shook  hands  heartily  and  went  on. 
My  Older  Brother, 

I  am  of  the  same  way  of  thinking  with  my  brothers 
here  who   have   spoken   already.  —  Our  Ancestors 
were  buried  here  and  this  is  the  proper  place  for  us 
to  speak  in.  — 
My  Older  Brother. 

You   have   called   us   from   a-far ;  And  since  we 
came  you  have  rejoiced  our  hearts.   We  hope  you 
will  consider  the  want  of  our  women  and  children 
before  you  leave  us ;  for  we  are  all  very  poor 
My  Older  Brother, 

I  agree  with  those  who  spoke  before  me,  that 
the  Whites  should  remain  on  the  other  side  of  the 
Ohio. 

He  delivered  two  white  strings,  and  retired.  —  N°  6 

General  Putnam  then  rose  and  said, 
Brothers. 

I  have  listened  to  all  you  have  said.  I  have  trea- 
sured it  up  in  my  heart.  —  To-morrow  I  shall  give 
you  an  answer.  — 

Brothers,  We  shall  now  drink  a  glafs  and  retire  till 
to-morrow. 

Adjourned  at  3  OClock  afternoon.  — 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        351 

In  Council  10  OClock  forenoon  26*^  Sepf^ 
A  Chief  of  the  Powtowattemows  rose  and  said, 
I    desire   my  Father   the   American   and  all  my 
Brothers  to  pay  attention  to  what  I  am  going  to 
say. 

When  I  received  the  mefsage  that  a  great  Chief 
would  arive  here  from  the  United  States  ;  And  that  he 
wished  to  speak  to  us,  I  expected  the  businefs  would 
be  of  another  nature,  not  that  I  find  it  to  be.  I  did 
not  expect  that  we  would  spend  our  time  in  speak- 
ing of  Land,  as  I  find  the  case  to  be  —  I  have  often 
been  asked  by  the  British  to  sell  them  Land,  but 
Merchandize  never  tempted  me  —  I  never  yet  have 
hearkened  to  thofe  who  came  to  speak  of  buying 
Lands  —  I  foresaw,  that  if  I  parted  with  my  land,  I 
should  reduce  the  Women  and  Children  to  weeping 
—  If  your  Land  was  dear  to  You,  why  did  You  give 
it  away  —  Were  my  Father  to  meet  me  on  my  ground, 
I  would  give  him  a  better  treatment  —  Then  turn- 
ing to  General  Putnam,  he  said  :  My  Father 

I  never  took  the  Tomhock  of  the  British  all  last 
War  —  The  French  and  Spaniards  desired  me  never 
to  take  it  against  the  United-States,  but  to  live  in 
Peace  with  them  —  It  is  my  Intention  —  You  see  the 
Sky  is  clear  ;  —  And  since  we  all  wish  that  every  one 
were  happy,  and  every  stain  wiped  off  the  ground  ; 
and  the  Blood  washed  away  :  let  us  join  together 
and  bury  the  Tomhock  forever  —  Let  all  past  mis- 
chief be  forgotten. 

(He  shook  hands  and  turning  to  the  Tribes  said) 
You  know  I  have  no  complaints  to  make  to  the 
United-States  for  lost  Women  and  Children  as  you 
have  —  Whenever  I  went  to  War,  it  was  again 
against  my  own  colour  —  Alter  Your  Conduct  —  Let 
the  Tomhock  remain  forever  hurried  —  Have  pity 


352        OFFICIAL  CORRESPONDENCE 

on  Your  Women  and  Children  —  Chiefs,  encourage 
Your  Young  Men  to  Peace  !  —  Young  Men  Usten  to 
Your  Chiefs !  —  Hearken  to  each  other,  and  afsist 
one  another  in  that  which  is  good. 

He  next  took  up  two  white  Strings,  and  said  he 
was  to  speak  the  sentiments  of  the  Musquetons 
Tribe,  whose  Chiefs,  (tho'  present)  were  bashful ;  re- 
questing of  the  General  not  to  be  offended  if  they 
said  anything  that  might  be  disagreeable.  — 
He  took  one  of  thefe  Chiefs  forward,  and  shaking 
hands  began. 

I  shall  always  do  as  my  own  Father  has  done, 
who  lived  in  Peace  with  the  White  People  —  I  think 
as  all  good  Men  ought  to  do  —  I  live  on  my  own 
River  quietly  by  Hunting ;  and  my  Women  are  em- 
ployed in  raising  Corn  —  The  French  who  always 
pafs  through  my  Country,  shew  Charity  to  the 
Women  and  Children  —  I  wish  it  may  always  re- 
main so  —  My  Heart  is  pleased  at  what  you  have 
said  —  It  is  placed  where  Decoign's  is  —  I  shall  do 
as  he  does. 

(:  Presented  two  white  strings  and  shook  hands :) 
N°  7. 

He  then  brought  forward  the  other  Chief  and  said. 

My  Father 

Altho  /  never  went  to  War  on  You,  yet  because 
You  sent  for  me,  I  came  —  I  will  hearken  and  pay 
evry  attention  to  all  You  have  said,  and  what  You 
may  say  to  me ;  and  carry  Your  Words  to  my  Vil- 
age.  —  Shook  hands  &  presented  2  strings.     N°  8 

A  Young  Chief  of  the  Potawattemows  rising,  said  : 
My  Older  Brother ! 

I  agree  to  all  that  has  been  said  by  Ducoigne  —  I 
have  heard  Your  Sentiments  and  my  Heart  is  glad 
—  I  will  report  them  in  my  Village  —  I  now  salute 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        353 

You,   and  form  an  acquaintance  with  You  —  (pre- 
sented 2  white  Strings)     N°  9 

The  Tribes  having  now  said  all  they  had  to  say 
at  the  opening  of  this  days  Council ;  and  all  being 
seated :  General  Putnam  rofe,  and  made  the  follow- 
ing Speech. 

Brothers  of  the  Eel-River  &*=  as  before 
After  You  had  lit  the  Pipe  of  Peace  Yesterday,  you 
told  me  that  the  Sky  was  very  clear  —  That  we  now 
would  Smoke  together,  and  should  observe  that  the 
Smoke  would  ascend  straight  upwards  —  You  then 
gave  me  the  Pipes,  and  desired  me  to  present  them 
to  our  great  Chief  General  Washington,  that  he 
might  also  smoke  out  of  them. 
Brothers 

You  next  told  me :  that  You  had  desired  Your 
Younger  brother  to  speak  the  sentiments  of  all  the 
Nations  present  —  You  said  that  altho'  he  was 
Young,  he  was  capable  of  speaking  best  —  I  listened 
to  him  attentively  ;  and  shall  report  all  he  has  said 
to  me  ;  and  deliver  the  Belt  you  gave  me,  to  the  great 
Chief  General  Washington  at  the  same  time  when  I 
shall  present  the  Pipes  to  him 
Brothers 

When  we  first  met  together  the  sky  was  indeed 
very  clear  as  You  had  observed  to  me  —  but  in  the 
course  of  our  Councill,  I  discovered  a  Cloud  had 
arisen  in  some  obscure  part  of  the  Sky,  which  pre- 
vented my  understanding  what  You  meant  by  part 
of  what  You  had  said  to  me. 
Brothers 

Let  us  understand  one  another  right  —  You  told 
me  it  was  best  for  the  White  People  to  remain  in 
their  Country,  and  You  in  Yours  —  You  said  :  as  the 
Whites  were  a  powerful  People,  they  ought  to  live  at 


354       OFFICIAL  CORRESPONDENCE 

a  distance  from  You  —  You  said,  that  the  Americans 
had  best  remain  on  the  other  side  of  the  Ohio. 
Brothers 

Speak  plain  that  I  may  understand  You,  and  there 
be  no  mistake  made  —  Do  you  mean  that  we  shall 
get  up  from  this  place  and  other  Settlements  on  the 
Mifsisippi,  and  go  over  the  Ohio  ?  Do  you  mean  that 
this  Garrison  which  is  built  for  the  Protection  of  the 
Settlement  and  Trade,  shall  be  evacuated  ? 
Brothers 

I  have  often  heard  that  You  had  permitted  Your 
Father  the  French  to  sit  down  on  the  Wabash  River 
a  great  many  Years  ago,  and  had  given  him  Lands 
to  raife  Corn  on,  and  a  range  for  his  Cattle  —  I  have 
since  heard :  that  when  Your  Fathers  Family  had 
encreased,  and  you  saw  them  so  much  crowded : 
that  You  then  extended  their  limits,  so  that  they 
might  have  land  enough  to  raise  Corn,  and  Range 
enough  for  their  Cattle  —  I  also  heard  that  the  cafe 
was  nearly  the  same  with  the  other  Settlements  on 
the  Mifsisippi. 
Brothers 

Let  me  inform  You,  that  the  United-States  are 
bound  to  protect  all  its  subjects — And  since  their 
Alliance  with  France,  are  become  as  one  People. 
They  live  not  only  here  in  this  place  together ;  but 
are  so  throughout  the  United-States. 
Brothers. 

The  United-States  do  not  want  to  take  away  Your 
lands  —  When  You  become  their  true  Friends,  they 
will  become  Your  Protectors  —  They  will  protect  You 
in  your  lands,  and  in  your  Hunting  —  They  will  never 
take  any  of  Your  lands  away  from  You,  against  your 
consent.  But  if  at  any  time  You  should  wish  to  sell 
any  of  them,  they  will  buy  them  of  You  honestly. 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        355 

Brothers 

When  the  White  People  give  away  a  thing,  they 
never  ask  for  it  back  again  —  And  what  they  have 
once  sold,  they  never  any  more  look  upon  it  as  theirs 
Brothers 

I  now  desire  You  to  inform  me,  how  far  your  lands 
extend  up  and  down  the  Ohio.  I  wish  also  to  know 
how  much  land  You  have  given  to  the  French  at  this 
place.  I  wish  to  know  the  grants  and  Sales  you  have 
made  to  the  Settlements  on  the  Mifsisippi. 
Brothers. 

You  have  wise  men  among  You  —  These  will 
consult  one  another  on  these  weighty  matters,  and 
give  me  a  plain  Answer.  (Strings  of  white  Wam- 
pum) 

The  above  being  Interpreted  by  the  Interpreters 
of  the  respective  tribes,  General  Putnam  requested  of 
all  those  [who]  felt  themselves  interested  to  return  a 
direct  answer  to  which  they  agreed.  — 
Adjourned  at  2  OClock. 

In  Council  Afternoon  — 

Ducoigne  rose  with  two  strings  of  white  Wampum, 
shook  hands  and  addrefsed  himself  to  the  Tribes : 
saying, 
Brothers, 

This  is  not  a  new  thing  for  us  to  meet  to  counsil 
together  It  has  been  the  custom  of  our  Ancestors 
always. 

Then  turning  to  General  Putnam,  Ihook  hands  and 
said.  — 
My  older  Brother, 

Be  afsured  all  the  Chiefs  here  present  rejoice  at 
what  you  have  said.  —  All  the  Chiefs  have  put  into 
my  mouth  the  Answer  I  am  to  give  you.  It  is  not  our 
intention  that  any  persens  setded   on  this  side  the 


356        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

Ohio,  should  move  away.  —  Our  request  is  that  no 
other  settlement  fhall  be  made.  — 
My  older  Brother, 

Consider,  were  [we]  to  sell  the  graves  of  our  An- 
cestors would  not  he  who  gave  us  life,  and  placed  us 
on  these  lands  be  displeased.  I  believe  there  is  no 
son  so  unworthy  of  his  Ancestors  as  to  sell  the  graves 
they  are  buried  in.  Were  we  to  sell  our  lands,  we 
must  sell  their  graves :  and  the  Game  which  affords 
us  daily  subsistance.  —  We,  therefore,  wish  you  never 
to  take  our  lands  by  force.  —  There  is  nothing  will 
prevent  a  lasting  peace  and  friendship  between  us 
but  your  attempting  to  take  our  Land  from  us.  Ful- 
fil what  you  have  said  —  Why  would  I  make  a  new 
handle  for  the  Axe  ?  I  know  it  would  be  impofsible 
for  us  to  overcome  you  in  the  end.  And  we  believe 
you  have  no  intention  of  destroying  us.  — 
My  older  Brother, 

We  have  already  informed  you  that  our  Ancestors 
lighted  the  fire  here  first.    We  are  glad  now  that  you 
have  made  it  up  anew.  — 
My  older  Brother, 

We  all  wish  you  to  make  known  to  Gen*  Wash- 
ington all  we  have  said,  and  all  we  have  to  say 
yet.  — 

The  whole  you  will  see  is ;  that  by  leaving  us  our 
Lands  you  secure  to  yourselves  our  friendfhip.  —  We 
do  not  wish  you  to  be  strangers  to  us.  We  wish  to 
be  your  good  Neighbours  and  you  to  send  Traders 
among  us,  to  furnish  us  for  our  wants  as  the  French, 
English  and  Spainards  have  done.  —  The  white  Peo- 
ple cloath  their  women  and  children  ours  are  running 
naked.  Take  pity  on  them  &  send  something  every 
spring  to  make  them  glad.  — 
He  delivered  two  strings,  and  introduced  a  Young 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        357 

Chief  of  the  Peankashaw  tribe,  who  held  two  strings 
of  old  grey  Wampum  ;  saying,     N°  10 

You  see  this  Wampum.  It  represents  the  bones  of 
our  Forefathers,  who  have  been  dead  long  ago.  —  It 
shows  our  poverty.  You  have  it  in  your  power  to 
make  us  happy.  — 

He  delivered  the  Wampum.  —     N°  11 

Then  addrefsing  the  Indians  said, 
You  who  live  near  the  British,  shut  your  ears  to  all 
bad  things  they  may  tell  you.  —  Never  listen  to  any 
things  they  may  say  to  you  about  the  Axe.  —  If 
they  have  a  mind  to  quarrel  with  our  brothers  of  the 
United  States,  let  them  settle  that  among  them- 
selves. — 

(Shook  hands  with  Gen^  Putnam)  — 
Our  throats  are  dry.    A  dram  would  not  hurt  us, 
And  after  that  we  will  retire  to  eat.  — 

A  Chief  of  the  Weaughtenows  rose  &  said. 
Our  Wampum  is  almost  expended  ;  and  it  seems  the 
businefs  is  near  a  close.    You  have  got  our  senti- 
ments in  your  hands.  —  They  are  all  true.  — 
My  older  Brother, 

I  am  indeed  happy  that  we  have  met  and  have 
made  an  acquaintance  together.  —  We  have  said  a 
great  deal,  but  it  all  tends  to  peace  —  You  know 
jelousies  are  occasioned  by  many  things.  — We  hope 
every  cause  is  now  removed.  —  We  want  Traders 
among  us,  who  will  supply  us  with  our  wants  :  And 
we  hope  you  will  always  find  something  that  will 
make  our  women  and  children  comfortable.  — 
My  older  Brother, 

We  hope  you  and  the  French  are  as  one.  —  we 
wish  it  to  be  so.  — 

He  shook  hands  with  General  Putnam  and  then 
recommended  peace  to  all  the  Tribes.  — 


358        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

And  shaking  hands  with  a  Powtowattemow  Chief 
said, 

We  and  you  live  on  the  Wabash.  —  We  are  glad 
you  join  with  us  in  peace  ;  and  retired.  — 

The  General  returned  an  answer  to  the  Tribes 
thus, 
Brothers, 

I  have  but  little  to  say  this  time.  All  the  difficul- 
ties are  now  removed  except  that  the  Bounds  have 
not  been  defined,  but  as  that  concerns  but  a  few  of 
you,  I  will  not  detain  others  on  that  account.  —  I 
have  no  doubt  but  the  great  Spirit,  who  witnefses 
every  transaction  will  direct  us  to  do  this  with  har- 
mony and  contentment  to  all  parties.  —  We  will 
meet  to-morrow  to  transact  the  main  part  of  the 
treaty  — 

Let  us  now  drink  a  Dram.  — 

Adjourned  in  the  Afternoon  late.  — 

In  Council  at  lo  OClock  forenoon  27*''  Sepf  — 

A  Peankeshaw  Chief  rose,  shook  hands  and  said, 
My  older  Brother, 

This  is  the  first  time  I  ever  met  in  council  with 
my  brothers  of  the  United  States.  I  fhall  now  inform 
you  what  has  pafsed  between  our  Ancestors  and  the 
French.  —  I  am  positive  my  brother  the  Tobacco 
and  the  other  Chiefs  have  long  since  given  a  quantity 
of  Land  to  the  French.  —  We  have  given  to  the 
French  the  land  between  Cut-point  above  the  Post 
and  white  River  below  the  Post,  with  as  much  on 
each  side  of  the  Wabash  as  there  is  between  those 
two  marks.  We  have  not  only  given  this  land  to 
them  for  themselves  only,  but  also  for  them,  their 
children  and  children's  children  forever.  — 
My  older  Brother, 

We  know  nothing  of  your  measures,  but  depend 


OFFICIAL  CORRESPONDENCE        359 

we  are  not  come  to  play,  and  be  laughed  at.  —  We 
have  had  this  writing  and  signed  it.  —  And  it  is  to 
these  writings  we  refer  for  the  truth.  —  I  speak  the 
sentiments  of  all  of  us  present.  — 

Another  Chief  of  the  same  tribe  rose  and  said, 
My  older  Brother, 

Be  afsured  I  never  have,  nor  ever  will  forget  the 
French.  —  They  are  our  friends.  —  They  always 
have  furnished  us  with  our  wants.  —  We  and  They 
have  lived  to  gether  —  Our  Ancestors  and  theirs  are 
burried  together  —  What  we  have  given  them  must 
remain  forever  theirs. 
My  Older  Brother 

I  recommend  this  matter  to  You,  to  General  Wash- 
ington, and  to  the  United  States  —  When  the  French 
first  came  here,  we  opened  the  Roads  for  them  — 
We  gave  them  Lands,  and  they  must  never  be  taken 
from  them  —  He  shook  hands  and  said. 
My  Older  Brother 

I  hope  You  will  regard  and  keep  the  writings 
sacred  which  we  gave  the  French  —  Writings,  when 
they  are  justly  executed  never  Lye — Let  them 
therefore  be  respected  —  (shook  hands  and  retired) 

Ducoig^e  rofe  and  said  ;  presenting  a  Young  Chief 
My  Older  Brother 

Here  is  a  Young  Chief  whose  Father  was  killed  by 
the  People  of  Kentucky,  while  he  carried  them  Meat 

—  Nothwithstanding  this,  he  gives  You  his  hand,  and 
forgets  the  crime.  He  is  my  Relation.  I  wish  you 
would  give  him  a  Recommendation  from  your  hand 

—  His  Sister  is  not  here,  but  she  will  come  shortly 
from  the  Illinois. 

The  Chief  retired  and  Ducoigne  continues  : 
My  Older  Brother. 
You  have  heard  our  sentiments,  and  those  of  the 


36o       OFFICIAL  CORRESPONDENCE 

great  Chief  Tobacca  —  Evry  one  present  know  they 
are  true  —  tho  some  are  dead,  yet  they  direct  us  to 
confirm  what   they  gave  to  the   French,    (shaking 
hands  went  on) 
My  Older  Brother 

I  was  the  first  who  took  You  by  the  hand  —  all  the 
others  have  done  so  since. 
My  Older  Brother 

Our  Father  the  French  never  took  any  land  from 
Us  on  the  Mifsisippi.  I  hope  you  will  do  as  he  did 
—  I  never  will  tell  lies,  neither  will  /  take  anything 
from  another  —  Tell  General  Washington  what  I 
have  said  —  When  we  hear  from  him,  we  will  open 
our  Ears  wider. 
My  Older  Brother 

You  know  what  lands  I  have  given  to  the  French 
on  the  Mifsisippi  —  You  know  what  lands  I  have 
given  to  the  Americans 
My  Older  Brother 

I  expect  everything  will  go  well  —  Report  all  that 
has  been  done  and  said  between  us,  to  the  great 
Chief  General  Washington  —  Let  us  have  a  Confir- 
mation from  him,  of  what  has  been  done  —  This  is 
all  we  have  to  say.  (shook  hands  fervently  and  re- 
tired :) 

General  Putnam  then  rofe,  laid  the  Belts  at  full 
length  on  a  Stroud  spread  over  the  Table ;  and  after 
shaking  hands  with  all  present ;  addrefsed  them  in 
the  follow  manner : 
Brothers ! 

We  have   been  for  some  time  past  industriously 
employed  in  making  Peace  —  I  believe  all   parties 
are  now  agreed. 
Brothers 

The  White  People  commit  to  writing  what  they 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        361 

transact,  that  the  paper  may  speak  when  they  are 
dead.  Your  custom  is  to  record  by  Belts.  We  shall 
do  it  both  ways.  Here  are  now  the  Articles  of  the 
Treaty,  to  which  if  we  agree  ;  we  will  subscribe  our 
Names,    I  will  now  read  it  to  You. 

(:  Here  come  the  Articles,  which  being  unanimously 
agreed  to  :)  General  Putnam  said  : 
According  to  our  custom,  I  will  subscribe  this  in  Your 
presence,  and  in  the  presence  of  the  White  People 
here.    You  will  also  sign  it. 

(:  They  having  signed  the  Articles  of  the  Treaty  :) 
General  Putnam  rofe,   and   delivered  the  following 
Speech  to  the  Chiefs  of  the  several  Tribes. 
Brothers  Si'^''  as  before. 

Listen  to  what  I  say, 

We  have  been  for  some  Days  past  industriously 
engaged  in  a  good  Work,  namely  in  establishing 
a  Peace  ;  And  we  have  happily  succeeded  thro'  the 
influence  of  the  great  Spirit. 
Brothers 

We  have  wiped  off  the  Blood  —  We  have  hurried 
the  Hatchet  on  both  sides  ;  and  all  what  is  past,  shall 
be  forgotten.    (:  takes  up  the  Belts  :) 
Brothers : 

This  is  the  Belt  of  Peace,  which  I  now  present  You 
in  the  Name  of  the  United-States  —  This  Belt  shall 
be  the  Evidence  of,  and  the  Pledge  for  the  perform- 
ance of  the  Articles  of  the  Treaty  of  Peace,  which  we 
have  concluded  between  the  United-States  and  Your 
Tribes  this  day. 
Brothers 

Whenever  You  look  on  this  Belt,  remember  that 
there  is  a  perpetual  Peace  and  Friendship  between 
You  and  Us :  And  that  You  are  now  under  the  Pro- 
tection of  the  United-States. 


362        OFFICIAL  CORRESPONDENCE 

Brothers 

We  both  hold  this  Belt  in  our  hands  —  Here  at  this 
end  the  United-States  hold  it ;  and  You  hold  it  by  the 
other  end  —  The  Road,  You  see  is  broad,  level  and 
clear  —  We  may  now  pafs  to  one  another  easy  and 
without  difficulty. 
Brothers 

The  faster  we  hold  this  Belt,  the  happier  we  shall 
be  —  Our  Women  and  Children  will  have  no  Occa- 
sion to  be  afraid  any  more — Our  Young  Men  will 
observe,  that  their  Wise  Men  performed  a  good 
Work. 
Brothers 

Be  all  strong  in  that  which  is  good  —  Abide  all  in 
this  path  Young  and  Old ;  and  You  will  enjoy  the 
sweetnefs  of  Peace.   (:  delivers  the  Belts  :) 
And  after  some  silence  says 
Brothers 

I  have  brought  some  cloathing  with  me  for  Your 
Women  and  Children ;  and  some  Amunition  for 
Your  young  Men  to  hunt  with ;  which  I  shall  distrib- 
ute among  You,  before  You  go  away. 

Peace  being  now  Proclaimed  ;  General  Putnam  in- 
formed them  :  that  he  should  have  a  piece  of  Artiliry 
fired  on  the  Occafion.  and  that  he  would  fire  the  first ; 
and  that  each  of  thofe  Chiefs  who  had  received  the 
Belts,  should  follow  his  Example.  The  General  fired 
and  the  Indians,  and  white  People  joined  the  report 
with  three  cheers  of  acclamations. 

(:  returned  to  the  Council-house  :) 
General  Putnam  now  told  them,  thet  he  would  give 
them  Beeves,  Bread  &  Whisky  to  Feast  upon. 

(signed)  WiLLM  'Intosh  sworn  Clerk 


OFFICIAL  CORRESPONDENCE        363 

EXTRACTS   OF    INDIAN   SPEECHES    PER  JOURNAL 

Page  5  —  [344]  N°  i  Weaughtenows 

2  Strings  White  Waumpum 
Page  6        [345]  N°  2  —  two  young  Chiefs  of 

the  Musquetons  4  long  White 
[346]  N°  3  Elle  River  2  Strings 

Black  waumpum  — 
Page  9 —    [347]  N°  4  Weaughtenow  Queen 

4  white  Strings 
page  1 1       [349]  N°  5  —  3  Short  White  Strings 

Peorian  Chief 


Page  12 —  [350]  N°  6  Peankefhaw  Chief 

2  white  Strings 

Page  13  —  [352]  N°  7  Musquetons 

2  white  Strings 

page  14       [352]  N°  8  Musquetons 

2  white  Strings 

page  14       [353]  N°  9  —  Potawattemows 

2  white  Strings 

Page  18 —  [357]  N°  10  ducoigne 

2  Strings 
[357]  N°  II  —  young  Peankashaw 

2  Strings  Gray  Waumpum. 


COPY  OF  THE  TREATY  BETWEEN  THE  UNITED   STATES  AND  THE 
WABASH    &    ILLINOI    INDIANS^ 

A  Treaty  of  peace  and  Frindfhip,  made  and  con- 
cluded between  the  Prefident  of  the  United  States  of 
America,  on  the  part  of  the  Said  States,  and  the  Un- 

1  This  treaty  was  not  confirmed  by  the  Senate,  the  fourth  article  being 
deemed  particularly  objectionable.  For  the  legislative  action  concerning 
it,  see  the  yournal  of  the  Executive  Proceeditigs  of  the  Senate,  vol.  i.  pp. 
128,  134,  13s,  144,  145,  146. 


364        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

derfigned  Kings  Chiefs  and  Warriours  of  the  Wabafh 
and  Illinoi,  Indian  Tribes  on  the  part  and  behalf  of 
Said  Tribes.  — 

The  parties  being  dellerous  of  eflablifhing  per- 
minent  Peace  and  frindfhip  between  the  United 
States  and  the  Said  Indian  Tribes,  and  the  citizens  and 
members  thereof  and  to  remove  the  caufes  of  War : 
The  Prefident  of  the  United  States,  by  Rufus  Putnam, 
Jud  [g]  e  of  the  Teritory  of  the  United  States  North- 
west of  the  River  Ohio  and  Brigadier  General  in  the 
Army,  whome  he  hath  vested  with  full  powers  for  thefe 
purpofes :  And  the  Said  Wabafh  and  Illinoi  Indian 
Tribes  by  the  Underfigned  Kings  Chiefs  and  warri- 
ours reprefenting  the  Said  Tribes  have  agreed  to  the 
following  articles  viz.  — 

Article  First 
There  fhall  be  perpetual  peace  and  frindfhip  between 
all  the  citizens  of  the  United  States  of  America,  and 
all  the  individuals,  villages  and  tribes  of   the  Said 
Wabafh  and  Illinoi  Indians 

Article  Second 
The  Underfigned  Kings,  Chiefs  and  warriours  for 
themfelves  and  all  parts  of  there  villages  and  Tribes, 
do  acknowledge  themfelves  to  be  under  the  protection 
of  the  United  States  of  America.  And  Stipulate  to 
live  in  amity  and  frindfhip  with  them.  — 

Article  Third 
The  Said  Tribes  Shall  deliver  as  Soon  as  practicable 
to  the  Commanding  officer  at  Fort  Knox  all  citizens 
of  the  United  States,  white  inhabitants  or  negroes 
who  are  now  prifoners  among  any  of  the  Said 
Tribes  — 

Article  Fourth 
The  United  States  Solemnly  guarantee  to  the  Wa- 
bafh and  Illinoi  Nations  or  Tribes,  of  Indians  all  the 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        365 

lands  to  which  they  have  a  just  claim,  And  no  part 
fhall  ever  be  taken  from  them  but  by  a  fair  purchafe 
and  to  their  fatisfaction.  That  the  lands  oreginally 
belong  to  the  Indians,  it  is  theirs  and  theirs  only, 
that  they  have  a  right  to  Sell  and  a  right  to  refuse 
to  Sell  and  that  the  United  States  will  protect  them 
in  there  Said  just  rights  — 

Article  Fifth 
The  Said  Kings  Chiefs  and  Warriours,  Solemly 
promise  on  their  part  that  no  further  hoflilities  or 
depredations  Shall  be  committed  by  them,  or  any 
belonging  to  the  Tribes  they  reprefent,  against  the 
perfons  or  property  of  any  of  the  Citizens  of  the 
United  States  :  That  the  practice  of  Stealing  Negroes 
and  Horfes  from  the  people  of  Kentucke  and  other 
inhabitants  of  the  United  States  fhall  forever  here- 
after ceafe.  That  they  will  at  all  times  give  notice 
to  the  citizens  of  the  United  States,  of  any  defignes 
which  they  may  know,  or  fuspect  to  be  formed  in 
any  neighbouring  Tribe,  or  by  any  perfon  what- 
ever, against  the  peace  and  intrest  of  the  United 
States  — 

Article  Sixth 
In  cafes  of  violence  on  the  perfons  or  property  of  the 
individuals  of  either  party,  neither  retaliation  or  re- 
prifal  fhall  be  committed  by  the  other,  untill  Sat- 
isfaction Shall  have  ben  demanded  of  the  party  of 
which  the  aggrefsor  is,  and  fhall  have  ben  refused.  — 

Article  Seventh 
All  animofities  for  past  grievances  fhall  hence  forth 
ceafe,  and  the  contracting  parties  will  carry  the  fore- 
going Treaty  into  full  execution,  with  all  good  faith 
and  Sincerity.  — 

In  Witnefs  of   all  and  every  thing  herein  diter- 
mined  between  the  United  States  of  America  and 


366        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

the  Villages  and  Tribes  of  The  Underfigned  Kings 
Chiefs  &  Warriours,  the  parties  have  hereunto  Set 
their  hands  and  Seals,  at  Post  Vincent  on  the  Wabafh 
river  This  twenty  feventh  day  of  September  one 
Thoufand  seven  hundred  ninety  two 
Don  in  prefence  of 
J.  F.  Hamtramcri 

B   GEN^   PUTNAMS   SPEECH   TO   THE   INDIANS 

Brothers, 

I  thank  the  great   Spirit  who   has   inclined  our 
Hearts  to  do  good ;  and  to  establish  a  Peace  be- 
tween You  and  the  United  States  — 
Brothers 

Let  us  endeavour  to  restore  Peace  and  happinefs 
to  all  as  far  as  lies  in  our  Power ;  and  for  this  pur- 
pofe  I  request  that  You  will  send  a  Speech  to  Your 
Neighbours  the  Miamis,  Dellawares,  Shawanos  and 
other  Tribes,  who  have  hitherto  stopped  their  Ears, 
and  refused  to  Speak  with  the  United  States  about 
Peace ;  altho  many  Speeches  have  been  sent  to  them 
for  that  purpofe  — 
Brothers, 

I  propose  to  send  one  Speech  more  requesting 
them  to  open  a  Road  to  some  place  or  other,  where 
we  may  meet  and  Speak  to  one  another ;  And  I 
trust  with  Your  afsistance,  that  the  great  Spirit  will 
caufe  this  good  Work  to  succeed  — 

1  This  copy  of  the  Treaty,  which  is  in  General  Putnam's  script,  bears 
no  other  signatures.  On  his  separate  list  of  the  Signers  of  the  Treaty 
there  are  the  names  of  thirty-one  Indian  chiefs.  The  witnesses  were 
eight  officers  of  the  First  American  Legion,  H,  Vanderburgh,  John 
Heckewelder,  two  interpreters,  and  the  clerk.  There  were  present  at 
the  Council  686  Indians  —  men,  women,  and  children. 


T  KrcK 


a  CJca^JftO    G-htLini   %'  cl/ii.e/n.<-^ 


I'l.AN  OF  ini':  hi\i:k  wahasii,  1792 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        367 

Brothers, 

Our  great  Chieff  General  Washington  is  very 
desirous  to  see  a  Number  of  Your  Chieffs ;  to  take 
them  by  the  hand  and  smoke  the  Pipe  of  Peace  with 
them  at  his  Council!  fire  —  there  to  brighten  the 
Chain  of  Friendship,  and  personally  convince  them 
of  the  goodnefs  of  his  Heart,  and  show  how  strong 
he  and  all  the  great  ChiefFs  of  the  United  States 
hold  You. 
Brothers, 

If  You  agree  that  one  or  two  Chief^Fs  from  each 
Tribe  should  visit  the  great  Chieff  General  Washing- 
ton as  I  propofe :  I  shall  provide  for  every  expence 
of  the  Journey,  and  a  fafe  Convoy  and  accomoda- 
tion both  going  and  returning  —  The  rout  will  be 
from  here  to  the  Falls  of  Ohio  by  Land  —  thence  by 
Water  to  Pittsburgh,  and  from  thence  by  Land  to 
Philadelphia. 
Brothers, 

If  You  listen  to  me  in  this,  I  have  no  doubt  but 
You   will   find  the  interest  and  happinefs  of  Your 
Tribes  greatly  encreased,  by  the  good  things  which 
the  great  Chieff  will  do  further  for  You. 
Brothers, 

I  wish  You  to  take  my  Words  into  Consideration, 
and  return  me  an  Answer  as  soon  as  you  have  de- 
termined thereon. 

Spooken  Sept  29th  1792  — 


368        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

SPEECH   SENT   TO   THE    DELLAWARES    &    OTHER   TRIBES 

The  Speech  of  Rufus  Putnam  Agent  to  General 
Washington  for  the  purpofe  of  treating  with  the 
Indians  North-west  of  the  Ohio,  and  concluding 
a  Peace  with  the  Same  — 

Brothers  of  the  Dellawares,  Shawnefe,  Miamis,  Wy- 
ondots,  and  all  other  Tribes  inhabiting  the  Country 
on  the  Miamis  &  Sandusky  Rivers,  and  on  the 
Lake  — 

The  great  Chief!  of  the  United  States,  General 
Washington  has  sent  since  early  in  the  Spring  Mef- 
sages  to  You  of  Peace.  And  I  who  have  come  from 
this  great  Chief!  and  his  Councill  more  than  4  Months 
ago,  have  also  sent  a  Speech  to  You  for  that  pur- 
pofe. 
Brothers 

After  waiting  a  long  time  for  Your  Answer  and 
not  recieving  any  ;  I  was  encouraged  to  speak  to  the 
Nations  on  the  Wabash  and  Illinois  Rivers  ;  and 
finding  their  Ears  open,  I  held  a  Treaty  with  them 
at  Tschubhicking  (:  Post  Vincennes  :)  where  we  have 
hurried  the  hatchet,  wiped  off  all  the  stains  of  Blood  ; 
and  concluded  a  firm  and  everlasting  Peace. 
Brothers, 

I  believe  were  You  but  once  agreed  to  hear  what 
I  have  to  say  to  You,  and  should  meet,  see  and 
hear  me ;  you  would  find  that  it  would  be  for  Your 
good.  As  long  as  we  dont  see  and  hear  one  an- 
other, but  listen  to  the  singing  Birds  which  fly  to 
and  fro ;  we  are  carried  away  with  evr}'-  story,  and 
not  only  remain  Strangers  to  one  another,  but  En- 
emys  also. 
Brothers, 

Open  Your  Ears  to  the  Truth  —  I  speak  from  my 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        369 

Heart,  not  with  my  Lips  only.  I  wish  to  see  You 
happy  —  I  wish  a  Peace  established  between  You 
and  the  United  States  —  I  wish  to  see  Your  Woemen 
and  Chilldren  go  to  rest  without  fear,  and  Your 
young  Men  become  industrious  Hunters,  so  that  You 
all  Young  and  old  may  live  comfortably. 
Brothers, 

All  this  can  be  the  cafe  if  You  chofe  it.  The  United 
States  dont  mean  to  wrong  You  out  of  Your  Lands 

—  They  dont  want  to  take  away  Your  Lands  by  force 

—  They  want  to  do  You  Justice. 
Now  Brothers, 

I  send  You  this  my  Speech  by  some  of  thofe  who 
have  been  here  at  this  great  Treaty  —  They  have 
seen  and  heard  me,  and  are  Witnefses  to  all  what 
has  pafsed  between  Us,  and  they  will  tell  You  the 
Truth. 
Brothers, 

When  You  have  heard  my  Speech,  and  all  what 
my  Mefsengers  have  to  say  to  You :  I  desire  Your 
Wise  Men  to  consider  it  well.  The  great  and  good 
Spirit  will  then  convince  them  of  the  good  Intentions 
of  the  United  States,  and  that  the  Road  is  yet  open 
to  them  to  become  a  happy  People  — 
Brothers 

I  desire  You  to  send  some  of  Your  Wife  Men  with 
my  Mefsengers  to  meet  me  at  the  Mouth  of  Muskin- 
gum, that  we  may  see  one  another  and  speak  to- 
gether before  I  return  again  to  our  great  Chief!  Gen- 
eral Washinton.  I  shall  direct  evr}^  thing  so,  that 
You  will  have  nothing  to  fear  Arife  then,  come  and 
see  me,  and  let  us  shake  hands  with  one  another. 
Post  Vincent 
October  6'^  1792  — 

A  Belt. 


370       OFFICIAL  CORRESPONDENCE 

INSTRUCTIONS   TO  M"   WELLS 

Post  Vincent  September  [October]  7th  1792 
Sir 

The  Speech  ^  you  carry  to  the  Indians  fully  informs 
you  [of]  the  great  object  I  have  in  view.  If  the  Sev- 
eral tribes  So  far  listen  to  my  words  as  to  Send  Some 
of  their  Cheifs  to  Speeke  with  me  at  Muskingum, 
you,  with  Piankafhaws,  will  accompany  theme  to 
that  place  where  I  Shall  wait  your  arrive! ;  If  you  do 
not  Succeed  ;  So  far  as  to  make  it  fafe  to  come  to  the 
mouth  of  Muskingum  by  land,  I  expect  you  will  come 
into  Fort  Wafhington  (or  Some  other  Station  on  the 
ohio)  where  you  will  find  provifion  made  for  Trans- 
porting you  to  Mufkingum.  I  wifh  you  to  make  all 
the  expidition  pofiable  which  the  nature  of  the  bufi- 
nefs  will  admit.  I  have  great  expectation  that  through 
the  Influence  of  the  Eel  river  Chiefs,  and  of  Chiefs 
of  the  five  fires  which  I  expect  are  now  among  them, 
thefe  tribes  will  liflen  to  terms  of  peace  but  whether 
they  will  or  not  is  the  fact  I  am  extreamly  anxious  to 
know  I  mufl  therefore  emprefs  it  on  your  mind  that 
if  polsiable  before  you  leave  their  country  you  afser- 
tain  the  matter,  whether  they  wjll  treat  of  peace  with 
the  united  States  or  not 

I  am  lir  your  Ob 
MR  W^  Wells 

COPY  OF   LETTER  TO  GENERAL   WILKINSON 

Fort  Washington  November  28th  1792 
Sir 

you  will  pleafe  to  recollect  that  by  my  inflructions 

from  the  Secretary  of  War  of  May  last,  The  whole  or 

Such  part  of  the  Indian  goods  under  the  care  of  the 

Quarter  Master  at  this  post  as  you  and  I  Should 

1  Page  368. 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        371 

Jointly  Judge  proper  ware  to  be  put  into  the  hands 
of  Major  Hamtramck  to  be  distributed  to  the  In- 
dians but  under  Such  reflrictions  as  to  prevent  all 
abufe  — 

It  is  my  opinion  Sir  that  all  thofe  goods  Still  re- 
maining at  this  post  be  forwarded  to  Major  Ham- 
tramck at  Post  Vincent  for  the  purpofes  aforesaid  — 
Except  the  following  articls  —  viz  480^*^  of  Damaged 
Tobacco  14  old  Hats,  21  old  Bridles,  434  >^  yards  of 
Linsey  3  pecies  of  black  broad  Cloath  10^  yards 
of  black  broad  Cloath,  18  brafs  kettles  98  Com 
Hoes  I  peace  of  Black  and  blue  Flanen  [flannel], 
I  peice  yallow  d°  —  i  Bundle  of  Gartering  Dam- 
aged— 

you  will  pleafe  to  let  Major  Hamtramck  know  that 
he  will  be  held  accountable  for  the  goods  put  into 
his  hands  and  that  it  is  an  inflruction  from  the  Sec- 
retary at  War,  that  either  receipts  from  the  party 
reciveing,  or  the  certificate  of  a  third  perfon  will  be 
required  as  evidence  of  the  delivery  of  goods  to  the 
Indian  in  all  cafes  whatever  and  Sir  if  your  mind 
Suggests  any  additional  chik  [check]  as  his  com- 
manding officer  you  will  undoubtedly  be  justified  in 
impofing  it  on  him  the  circumftance  of  M*"  Wells 
being  in  the  Indian  country  you  are  well  acquainted 
with.  Should  he  come  in  to  this  post  I  must  intreat 
you  will  Send  him  forward  to  Muikingum  with  all 
Poliable  dispatch. 

COPY  OF   LETTER  TO   GEN*-    KNOX 

Marietta  December  the  20th  1792 
Sir 

I  have  the  honour  to  transmit  to  you  the  oreginal 
treaty  of    Peace  ^  with    Sundry  tribes   of    Indians, 

J  Page  363. 


372        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

Signed  at  post  Vincennes  the  2y^^  of  September  last 
of  which  Major  Hamtramick  forwarded  a  Copy  by 
M*"  Prior  I  alfo  enclofe  you,  A  Journal  of  the  pro- 
ceedings during  the  negotiation/  together  with  my 
Speech  to  the  Indians  on  the  29*^  of  September  ^  (in- 
viting them  to  Send  a  Speech  to  their  hostile  neigh- 
bours, &c  —  &c  &c)  and  a  Speech  I  Sent  to  the  Delia- 
wares  &  other  tribes  Dated  the  6*^  of  October,^  with 
my  inftructions  to  M""  Wells  the  Mefsenger  * 

I  am  extreamly  mortified  that  So  much  time  has 
elapsed  before  it  was  in  my  power  to  forward  thefe 
papers 

the  circumflancs  which  has  ocationed  this  delay 
are  thefe.  on  the  25*^  of  September  I  was  taken  with 
the  ague  and  fevor  which  returned  upon  me  every 
2^  day  untill  the  30^^  from  which  time  the  fitts  re- 
turned every  Day  Succefsively  for  three  days,  and 
the  fevor  run  So  high  as  rendered  me  incapable  of 
any  bufi  [nefs]  untill  the  6*^  of  October  in  which  time 
Major  Hamtramick  thought  proper  to  Send  oflE  the 
chiefs  which  on  the  28*^  of  Sep*  departed  [?]  to  go  to 
Philadelphia  befides  it  would  not  have  ben  proper 
to  refque  the  oreginal  treaty  with  M*"  Prior  by  land 
to  the  falls,  for  their  was  real  danger  not  only  from 
the  hostile  Indians  but  from  parties  of  Militia  who 
ware  about  that  time  frequently  out  in  that  quarter 
in  purfute  of  Stolen  horses 

on  the  6*^  of  October  the  feavor  left  me.  althoe 
very  weak  and  feable  I  Set  out  from  Post  Vincennes 
by  warter  for  the  falls  of  Ohio,  on  the  18*^  I  was 
taken  with  a  relaps  of  the  Same  disordr  and  it  was 
the  29**>  before  I  got  afhore  at  the  falls  haveing  for 
12  days  Suffered  much  being  without  any  Phifictian 
or  Medicen  and   no  acommodation   but   what   the 

^  Page  335.  2  Page  366.  »  Page  368.  *  Page  370. 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        373 

Barge  afforded  —  after  arriving  at  the  falls  my  dis- 
order returned  So  that  I  was  not  able  to  leve  there 
untill  the  19*^  of  November,  when  the  fits  being 
partly  broke  I  Set  out,  and  fortunately  I  have  had 
but  two  fits  Sence,  but  from  haveing  bad  oars  men 
the  State  of  the  warter  and  Shortnefs  of  the  days  I 
was  not  able  to  reach  this  place  untill  the  iS***  in- 
llent.  — 

you  will  obferve  by  my  Speech  of  October  6th 
Sent  to  the  Dellawars  &  others,  that  I  invite  them  to 
Send  Some  of  their  wife  men  with  my  Mefsengers 
to  the  mouth  of  Muskingum,  confidering  the  State 
of  my  health  at  the  time  I  Sent  the  Speech,  the  Sea- 
fon  of  the  year  and  other  circumllances  I  confidered 
this  as  the  most  proper  place  to  invite  them  to  and 
this  being  Ditermined  on,  made  it  necefsary  for  M"" 
Hackenwelder  to  Stop  here ;  for  althoe  he  has  ben 
of  very  efential  Service  to  me  in  carrying  on  the 
negotiations  below,  yet  if  the  Dellawares  &c  &c 
come  in  to  this  place  his  prefence  would  be  much 
more  necefsry  as  he  is  the  only  interpreter  of  there 
language  within  my  reach  But  So  much  time  has 
elapsed  Sence  I  Sent  my  Talk  from  Vincennes  as 
before  mentioned,  that  I  have  no  hope  of  the  remain- 
ing hostile  tribs  Istining  to  peace,  yet  I  concive  it 
necefsary  for  me  to  waite  Some  time  longer  for  M"^ 
Wells  and  the  Indian  Chief  who  went  with  him  for 
if  they  are  not  murdered  they  certainly  will  be  here 
as  Soon  as  pofiable  whether  they  Succeed  in  per- 
fuaiding  the  Dellawares  &c  &c  to  accompany  them 
or  not  however  if  I  hear  northing  from  them  before 
the  10*^  or  is^^  of  January  I  Shall  my  Self  with  M^ 
HackingTA'elder  Set  out  for  Philadelphia 

you  will  obfer\''e  that  by  the  fourth  article  of  the 
Treaty  the  United  States  Guarantee  to  the  Indians 


374       OFFICIAL  CORRESPONDENCE 

all  the  lands  to  which  they  have  a  Just  Claim.  I 
chofe  this  general  mode  of  expretion  becaufe  I  was 
not  furnifhed  with  documents  to  afsertain  the  lands 
they  have  given  away  or  otherwife  disposed  of,  & 
alfo  becaufe  I  concived  it  most  agreable  to  my  in- 
llructions  haveing  before  the  Signing  the  treaty  good 
reafon  to  beleve  I  Should  perfuaid  them  to  Send  a 
deputation  to  Philadelphia  —  (the  tract  on  the  Wa- 
bafh  river  which  they  [declared]  in  the  proceeding 
of  the  26*^  of  September  to  have  ben  given  to  the 
french  is  at  least  50  mile  Square) 

Your  favor  of  the  7*^  of  August/  I  met  with  at 
Fort  Wafhington  the  26*^  of  November  on  my  return 
up  the  river,  their  must  have  ben  Some  Delay  in  for- 
warding this  letter  to  Fort  Wafhington,  or  othecwife 
it  would  have  reached  me  before  the  opening  of  the 
treaty  (which  would  have  given  me  great  Satisfac- 
tion) however  I  am  happy  to  find  I  had  anticipated 
your  wifhes ;  my  motives  for  doing  of  which  was 
fully  explained  in  my  letter  to  you  of  July  22*^2 
the  remaining  Indian  [goods]  which  I  left  at  Fort 
Wafhington  in  august  as  ware  Sutable  for  the  pur- 
pos  I  requested  Gen^  Wilkenson  to  forward  to  Major 
Hamtramick 

Should  the  two  Interpreters  who  came  on  with  M"" 
Prior  be  Settled  with  before  I  come  to  Philadelphia 
they  must  be  charged  with  monies  advanced  by 
Major  Hamtramck  on  my  account  and  recepted  for 
to  me  as  follows  viz.  Myah  or  Malliot  Seventy  Seven 
Dollars  Jacko  or  Dumais  fifty  nine  Dollars  — 

1  Page  313.  2  Page  301. 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        375 

COPY   OF    LETTER   TO    GEN^   WAYNE 

Marietta  December  21st  1792 
Sir 

Your  favor  of  the  6*^  of  Augnst^  reached  me  at 
Vincennes,  but  I  have  not  had  it  in  my  power  to  ac- 
knowledge the  receipt  of  it  untill  now  —  When  M' 
Prior  left  Vincennes  I  was  fcarcely  able  to  Speek, 
much  lefs  to  write,  and  Sence  that  time  untill  the 
Eighteenth  inftent  I  have  ben  either  confined  by 
Sicknefs  on  the  way  or  purfuing  my  Journey  to  this 
place.  What  pafsed  at  Vincennes  untill  M"^  Prior  fet 
out,  I  delired  Major  Hamtramck  to  communicate 
both  to  you  and  the  Secretary  at  War  —  on  the  7*^  of 
October  I  Sent  a  Speech  to  the  Dellawars  and  other 
hostile  tribes  inviteing  them  to  Send  Some  of  their 
wife  men  to  this  place  to  Speek  with  me  on  the  Sub- 
ject of  peace,  but  I  hear  northing  from  them  yet  Nor 
have  I  ever  had  much  expectation  that  they  would 
harken  to  the  invitation.  I  Shall  however  wait  to  the 
lo*'^  or  15  of  January  and  then  Set  out  for  Philadel- 
phia, and  endevor  to  convince,  as  far  as  my  Opinion 
and  Influence  extend,  all  the  advocates  for  Treaties 
that  northing  but  a  Sevear  whiping  will  bring  thefe 
proud  Savages  to  a  Sence  of  there  intrest 
I  have  the  honour  to  be  Sir 
with  much  refpect  your 
humble  Servant 
Maj'  Gen'  WAYNE 


COPY   OF   LETTER   TO  GEN'"   WAYNE 

PiTTS-BuRGH  Jany  21**  1793 
Sir 

when  I  left  Mufkingum  it  was  my  intention  if  prac- 
ticable to  have  come,  at  leafl,  as  far  as  Legion  Ville 

1  Page  311. 


376        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

by  water,  but  on  my  arrive!  at  BufFaloe,  I  found  my- 
felf  So  unwell,  and  the  wether  So  threatening  that 
I  dare  not  make  the  attempt.  I  am  very  forry  that  I 
am  disappointed  of  the  honour  of  paying-  my  re- 
fpects  to  you  in  perfon  at  this  time ;  but  the  ill  State 
of  my  health  at  prefent  and  the  wifh  I  have  to  be  at 
Philadelphia  as  Soon  as  Pofiable  must  appologize 
for  my  not  makeing  Tour  from  this  place  to  Legion 
Ville  — 

I  have  heard  northing  from  below  Sence  I  wrote 
you  by  Maj  Swan  M""  W""  Wells  who  I  Sent  with  fome 
Eel  Creek  Chiefs  to  the  hollile  tribes  with  a  Speech 
Dated  at  Post  Vincent  the  6^^  of  October  I  fear  has 
Sheared  the  fate  of  poor  Truman  for  other  wife  he 
would  have  ben  at  Muskingum  before  I  left  it  ^  the 
only  hope  I  have  is  that  he  may  have  made  his  efcape 
back  to  Post  Vincent  by  Some  means  or  other  ben 
detained  by  the  way,  &  if  So  he  may  yet  be  expected 
up  the  River  on  his  way  to  Philadelphia,  and  agreably 
to  my  inllructions  left  for  him  at  Muskingum  will 
wait  on  your  excellency.  But  whether  he  be  dead  or 
alive,  confident  I  am  that  the  tribes  to  whome  he  was 
Sent  have  not  listened  to  the  v  [o]  ice  of  peace,  nor  do 
I  beleve  they  ever  will  untill  they  get  a  good  whiping. 
Much  is  Said  in  Some  late  papers  of  there  dispofition 
to  treat  &c  &c.  from  what  authority  I  know  not,  but 
I  am  much  mifstaken  in  my  conjecturs  if  it  dos  not  all 
oreginate  from  a  Defigne  to  impofe  on  govement, 
and  induce  them  to  relax  in  there  meafures  for  profe- 
cuting  the  war  with  vigour.  I  fhall  be  happy  to  find 
myfelf  Mifstaken  but  northing  fhort  of  the  event  will 
ever  convince  me  that  I  am  fo.  for  admit  that  the 
Britifh  goverment  wifh  the  Indians  to  be  at  peace  with 

1  William  Wells  was  not  killed,  but  the  Indians  to  whom  he  was  sent 
would  not  consider  the  peace  overtures. 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        377 

us  and  admit  that  the  Indians  have  made  propolitions 
to  treat  with  us  agreably  to  what  has  ben  publifhed 
in  the  News  paprs,  yet  while  I  know  they  are  under 
the  influence  of  the  greatest  Villens  in  the  world,  I 
Shall  doubt  their  Sincerrity  in  every  propofition  of 
the  kind  they  Shall  make,  unlefs  accompaned  by  cir- 
cumllances  which  do  not  exist  in  the  prefent  cafe, 
when  they  Ihall  propofe  a  proper  time  &  place  for 
holding  a  treaty :  and  give  us  Hostags  for  the  Se- 
curity of  the  Commifions  who  fhall  venture  beyond 
the  protection  of  our  army  to  treat  with  them,  I 
fhall  begin  to  think  they  are  in  earnest ;  and  not 
before  — 

If  M""  Wells  arrivs  I  must  requst  that  you  will  give 
ordor  for  his  being  Afsisted  in  his  Journey  to  Phila- 
dlphia 

LETTER    FROM    GEN''    KNOX 

War-department,  Feby  iith  1793. 
Sir. 

I  beg  leave  to  request  to  be  informed,  by  you,  in 
what  fenfe  the  Fourth  Article  of  the  Treaty,  made  by 
you,  with  the  Wabash  Indians,  on  the  27th  day  of 
September  1 792  was  underflood  by  you,  and  by  them, 
at  the  time  of  forming  the  fame  —  That  is,  whether 
it  was  underflood,  that  any  other  power,  than  the 
United  States,  had  the  right  of  purchafmg  when  the 
indians  fhould  be  difpofed  to  fell  their  lands  ? 

I  am  Sir, 

with  great  refpect. 
Your  very  humble  Serv* 
H  Knox 
Secy  of  War 
Brigadier  General 
RuFUS  Putnam. 


378        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

ANSWER   TO   gen"-  KNOX    LETTER 

(Copy)  Philadelphia 

February  ii'ii  1793 

Sir 

In  answer  to  your  question  of  this  day  ^  I  reply  that 
it  was  never  contemplated  by  me,  nor  the  Indians 
who  met  me  in  council  at  Vincennes  that  the  United 
States  conceded  to  them  any  right  to  fell  their  lands 
to  any  other  power  then  the  Goverment  of  the 
Union,  under  whofe  protection  they  then  freely  ac- 
knowledged themselves  to  be 

I  am  Sir  With  great  respect 

¥•■   Most  ob  ferv* 

R.  Putnam 
Hon*'^^  Gen^  Knox 


LETTER  TO  GEN''  KNOX 

Feby  13th,  1793 
Sir 

in  explination  of  the  proceedings  of  the  Council  at 
Vincens  Sep*  1792  ^  of  my  letter  of  November  [De- 
cember] 20***  1 792  ^  and  of  my  Certificet  of  Feb^  6^^ 
1793  I  beg  leve  to  obferve  as  the  Chiefs  did  not 
exprefs  them  Selves  clearly  in  council  with  refpect 
to  the  lands  they  had  given  away  or  Sold,  I  made 
it  a  point  to  enquire  of  Some  principle  Chiefs  with  re- 
fpect to  a  Sale  made  to  Louis  Viviatte  *  and  others, 
and  was  informed  (by  Rene  Codert)  an  inhabitent  of 

1  Page  377. 

2  Page  335. 
8  Page  371. 

*  In  the  original  manuscript  the  name  Louis  Viviatte  is  not  in  General 
Putnam's  script.  In  1775  Louis  Viviat,  acting  as  agent  for  the  Wabash. 
Land  Company,  obtained  a  deed  from  eleven  Piankeshaw  chiefs  for  a 
tract  of  more  than  thirty-seven  million  acres.  See  Dillon's  History  oj 
Indiana,  pp.  104-109. 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        379 

Vincens  and  an  Adopted  Chief  among  the  Pianke- 
lliaws,  and  by  W°^  Wells,  who  has  previous  to  June 
last  refided  eight  or  nine  years  with  the  Eel  Creek  and 
is  an  adopted  Chief  in  that  tribe  (both  Sworn  inter- 
preters at  the  Treaty)  that  the  Indians  disclaimed  the 
Validity  of  that  pretended  Sale,  alledging  that  it  was 
don  by  those  who  had  no  right  to  Sell,  that  none  by 
the  Piankefhaws  recived  the  pay  or  ware  concerned 
in  the  bufmefs  and  that  the  lands  belonged  to  all  the 
Wabalh  Tribes  in  Common 

RuFus  Putnam 


COPY   OF   A   LETTER   TO  GEN''   KNOX 

Philadelphia  Feby  14th  1793 
Sir 

In  looking  over  my  former  communications  I  find 
I  have  made  no  official  report,  relative  to  the  Indian 
prifoners  which  I  reflored,  the  Cloathing  distributed 
at  the  Treety,  nor  the  Silver  ornements  which  I  re- 
cived from  you  ye  22^  of  May  1792.  I  therefore  con- 
fider  it  my  duty  to  prefent  you  the  enclofed  papers 
and  beg  leve  to  make  the  following  remarks.  — 

I  arrived  at  Vincens  the  12*^  of  September  with 
^all  the  women  &  Children  who  had  ben  prifoner  at 
Fort  Wafhington  on  the  13*^  the  Eel  Creek  and 
Weauchtenos  alTembled  when  I  reflored  to  them 
there  frinds  and  delivered  the  Speech  ^  contained  in 
the  inclofure  N°  i —  there  Speeches  on  the  ocation  was 
not  taken  down  :  but  they  all  ware  exprefsive  of  there 
gratitude,  and  I  am  fully  convinced  that  this  uncon- 
ditional act  of  generosity  on  the  part  of  the  united 
States  had  a  great  influence  in  produceing  that  con- 
fidence in  the  American  goverment  which  appears  in 

1  Page  333. 


38o        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

their  Speeches  in  council,  and  of  induceing  them  to 
Send  a  number  of  there  Chiefs  to  Philadelphia  — 

The  Cloathing  taken  on  for  the  treaty  was  receipted 
for  to  the  Quartermaster  at  Fort  Walhington  By  Capt 
Peters  who  Commanded  the  efcort  and  delivered  at 
Vincens  to  M*^  Jofeph  Baird  a  perfon  I  heard  recom- 
mended by  Major  Hamtramck  for  the  purpus  of  take- 
ing  charge  of  the  Same  and  delivering  it  agreably  to 
such  ordors  as  he  Should  recive.  — 

The  enclofure  N°  2  contains  an  abflract  of  the  De- 
liveries of  cloathing  agreably  to  certain  papers  put 
into  my  hands  by  M"^  Beard  the  day  before  I  came 
away,  on  which  I  wrote  to  Major  Hamtramck  as 
follows  — 

"Post  Vincennes  October  9th  1792 
"Sir 

Neither  time  nor  the  State  of  my  health  will  per- 
"  mit  me  to  examin  the  account  of  M""  Beard  to  See 
"  whether  the  Delevery  of  goods  to  the  Indians,  and 
"  thofe  remaining  on  hand  corifpond  with  the  invoice 
"  of  goods  he  recived  of  Capt  Peters.  I  must  there- 
"  fore  refer  this  bufmefs  to  you  for  Settlement,  as  alfo 
"  the  affair  of  powder  and  lead,  purchased  of  Major 
"  Vanderburgh  for  the  Indians,  and  put  in  your  Mag- 
"  gazean  —  -, 

"  I   have  to  request  that   you  will  recive  the  re- 

"  maining  Indian  goods  from  M'^  Beard  and  distribute 

"  them  to  frindly  Indians  from  time  to  time  accord- 

"  ing  to  your  discretion  —  I  have  the  honour  to  be 

"  &c  &c 

RuFus  Putnam 

on  this  abflract,  I  beg  leve  to  obferve  farther,  that  it 
appears  there  was  a  greater  number  recived  Blankets 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE       381 

then  ware  included  in  the  provifion  return  for  any  one 
day  of  the  Treety  this  may  be  accounted  for  partly 
by  the  cloathing  deliv[ere]d  to  the  Illinoi  Indians  for 
there  wives  who  ware  not  prefent  &  partly  for  the 
cloathing  delivered  for  the  Infirm,  both  women  & 
Children  of  the  Eel  Creeks,  Weauchtenos  and  Pian- 
kefhaws  who  did  not  attend  the  treaty,  but  this  is 
partly  conjectural  as  I  was  not  able  to  attend  the 
delivery  my  felf,  but  left  it  to  Major  Hamtramck  — 
on  the  enclofure  N°  3  I  obferve  that  none  of  the  or- 
nements  ware  delivered  to  the  Chiefs  who  came  to 
Philadelphia  becaufe  I  concived  they  would  be  pre- 
fented  with  Something  of  the  kind  by  the  Prefident 
or  your  felf  &  they  ware  given  to  underfland  that 
they  might  expect  it,  befides  as  I  was  Still  purfuing 
meafures  to  Speek  with  the  Dellawars,  &  other  Hostile 
tribs  I  thought  it  necefsary  to  referve  the  principle 
part  of  the  Silver  ornements,  untill  there  high  Mighti- 
nefses  might  agreably  to  my  Speech  Sent  from  Vin- 
cens  Speek  with  me  if  they  pleafed  — 

P  S.  I  engaged  M""  W"^  [Wells]  as  an  Interpreter  at 
one  dollar  per  day  from  July  14  1792,  and  befides  his 
wages  when  he  left  Vincenne  the  j^^  of  October  to 
carry  my  Speech  to  the  Dellaware  &c  I  promifed  to 
allow  him  and  his  companions  300  Dols  and  if  he 
Succeeded  So  far  as  to  induce  the  Chiefs  of  the  hostile 
tribes  to  Send  a  deputation  to  Muskingum  I  engaged 
to  encres  this  to  500  Dollar  — 


382        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 


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ON 


384       OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

COPY    OF   A  LETTER   TO   GEN   KNOX 

Philadelphia  February  14th  1793 
Sir 

you  know  the  motives  that  induced  me  to  accept 
of  an  appointment  in  the  army  last  May,  and  be 
afsurd  I  Entertain  the  Same  refpect  for  the  Prefi- 
dent  of  the  United  States  now  as  I  did  at  that  time, 
nor  have  I  lefs  enclination  to  Serve  my  Country  in 
any  compatible  with  my  Situation  —  But  from  age 
and  infermeties  efpecially  Sence  my  long  Sicknefs 
the  last  year,  I  find  my  Self  unable  to  under  go  the 
fateagus  and  hardlhips  incident  to  a  Military  life  —  I 
therefore  herewith  enclofe  my  Commifsion  of  Brig- 
adier Gen^  and  request  that  I  may  be  discharged 
from  further  Servis  in  the  army  of  the  United  Stats 
I  have  the  honour  to  be 

with  all  pofiable  affection 
Sir  your  most  obed"* 
humble  Serve* 

TO    GENL    KNOX 

Philadelphia  April  1793 
Sir 

At  the  request  of  M"^  Mathews  I  beg  leve  to  fubmit 
a  few  obfervations  to  your  confideration  refpecting[?] 
Some  works  erected  at  Gallipolis  by  Mefsers  Mathews 
&  Bodwell 

When  I  was  at  Gallioplis  on  my  way  down  the 
River  last  June  I  examined  the  Situation  of  the  place 
and  am  clearly  of  opinion  that  the  New  Block  houfe 
and  Stockade  and  the  repair  of  the  old  one  or  fome 
other  additional  work  more  extencive  was  abfolutely 
necefsary  for  the  reception  of  the  inhabitants  and 
accommodation  of  the  Troops  who  have  Sence  occu- 
pied them    in  cafe  of  an  attack,  which  there  was 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        385 

every  reafon  to  apprehend  might  Soon  take  place 
after  the  Defeat  of  Gen'  S*  Clare  the  people  without 
Some  place  to  repair  to  where  they  might  combine 
there  force  must  in  all  probability  have  fall  [en]  a 
Sacrefife  — 

I  am  told  Mathews  and  Bod  wells  ace*  is  objected 
to  becaufe  they  Began  the  work  before  any  conti- 
nantal  troops  arrived  and  without  authority  from  any 
public  officer.  I  beg  leve  to  obferve  that  General 
S*  Clare  did  make  an  arrangement  imediately  after 
his  Defeat,  to  post  troops  at  Gallipolis  and  had  it 
not  ben  for  Some  Mifsconflruction  of  ordors  either 
Haskel  or  Tillinghast  must  have  ben  there  before 
the  commencement  of  thefe  works ;  and  had  they 
arrived  they  could  not  remain  without  cover,  nor 
ought  they  or  any  ofBcer  to  have  remained  any  time 
with  out  puting  the  place  in  a  State  of  Defence  — 
for  besids  the  Security  of  the  troops  which  it  would 
be  his  duty  to  provide  for  what  protection  could  a 
Small  Detachment  afford  to  the  Settlem  [en]  t  with- 
out Securing  a  Small  part  of  the  village  by  Stock- 
ade as  an  asilum  to  the  Inhabitants  in  cafe  of  an 
attack. 

I  am  fenciable  of  the  propriety  of  a  previous  ordor 
from  the  Secretary  at  war  or  fome  public  officer  to 
authorize  Such  kind  of  expences,  but  can  not  the 
Secretary  at  war  as  well  Judge  of  the  propriety  of 
the  mafure  now  as  before  the  work  was  don.  if  it  be 
faid  the  inhabitant  [s]  ought  to  be  at  the  expence  of 
their  own  fortification,  and  for  the  Troops,  they  might 
have  covered  themfelves  —  I  anfwer  I  am  fure  the 
Secretary  at  War  will  never  make  this  objection,  he 
is  too  fensiable  of  the  distrefs  and  fuffering,  of  a 
Frontier  Settlem  [en]  t  to  impofe  Such  a  Tax  on  them, 
efpecial  the  French  Settlers  at  Gallipolis  &  there  are 


386        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

few  others  ther.  if  then  it  is  in  your  power  to  au- 
thorize the  liquedation  of  this  ace*  I  hope  you  will 
do  it  and  not  fufler  an  expence  to  fall  on  thefe  two 
men  who  from  my  perfonal  knowledge  are  ill  able  to 
bear  it  — 

LETTER    FROM   COLO    PICKERING 

General  Post  Office 

Philadelphia  May  24.  1794. 
Dear  Sir. 

It  is  proposed  to  attempt  the  carriage  of  a  mail 
from  Pittsburg  to  Wheeling  by  land,  and  thence 
by  water  to  Limeflone.^  From  Limeflone  by  a  new 
road  on  the  fouthern  fide  of  the  Ohio  to  the  mouth  of 
^Licking,  opposite  to  Fort  Washington,  where  it  will 
crofs  over.  From  Limeflone  the  mail  will  be  carried 
thro*  the  Hate  of  Kentuckey ;  the  pofl-road  thro'  the 
Wildernefs,  in  this  case,  to  be  discontinued.  —  I  have 
given  directions  to  have  three  boats  conflructed 
for  the  purpose,  to  be  formed  in  the  bell  manner 
for  ease  and  expedition,  in  pushing  up  Hream,  to  be 
managed  by  five  hands  each.  I  hope  they  will  be  run- 
ning fome  time  in  June. 

Marietta  will  be  a  flation  for  the  boats  to  flop  at 
as  they  pafs  ;  and  doubtlefs  it  will  be  convenient  to 
have  a  poft-ofifice  there.  Herewith  I  send  a  packet 
addrefsed  to  you,  to  be  put  into  the  hands  of  the 
person  you  judge  moft  suitable  for  pollmaster.  He 
will  there  fee  the  forms  in  which  the  businefs  is  to  be 
transacted,  with  which  he  Ihould  make  himfelf  ac- 
quainted. The  law  now  fent  will  expire  in  a  few  days ; 
it  is  fubstantially  the  fame  as  the  new  law,  as  to  the 
regulations.  The  latter  will  be  forwarded  when  pre- 
pared. —  The  person  you  designate  for  poflmaster 
fhould  be  careful  and  trusty,  and  there  will  be  an 

1  Maysville. 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        387 

advantage  in  having  one  whose   residence  will  be 
near  the  Landing  place  of  the  mail  boats. 

The  advantages  of  regular  mail  will  be  fo  great  to 
your  fettlement,  I  am  fure  you  will  omit  nothing  to 
fecure  them. 

I  am  with  respect  &  esteem 
P.  S.  I  suppose  a  dear  fir, 

polloffice  may  be  Your  mofl  obed*  ferv* 

eligible  at  Gallipolis  :  TIMOTHY  PICKERING 

for  which  reason  I 
send  a  second  packet 
addrefsed  to  you,  to 
be  disposed  of  as  you 

think  fit.   You  will  be  fo  good  as  to  favor  me  with 
an  answer  as  foon  as  pofsible 
General  RuFUS  Putnam 

Marietta. 

LETTER    FROM    COL   PICKERING 

General  Post  Office  June  7  1794 
Sir 

I  wrote  you  on  the  24th  ult°  ^  &  sent  two  packages, 
for  the  establishment  of  post-offices  at  Marietta  and 
Gallipolis.  Major  Craig  informs  me  that  the  mail- 
boats  which  are  preparing  at  Pittsburg  will  soon  be 
ready.  I  supposed  their  crews  would  have  been  en- 
gaged there :  but  Major  Craig  writes  me,  that  he 
had  consulted  Capt.  Mills  of  Marietta,  who  told  him 
that  he  would  procure  at  Marietta  a  trusty  boat- 
master  and  four  good  hands,  for  one  boat,  to  ply 
between  that  place  and  (jallipolis,  and  that  another 
set  of  excellent  hands  might  be  engaged  at  Gallipolis, 
for  the  boat  which  is  to  ply  between  that  place  and 
Limestone.    It  does  not  appear  that  Major  Craig  has 

1  Page  386. 


388        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

given  any  directions  for  raising  this  tiiird  set ;  if 
he  has  he  will  inform  you ;  and  on  defect  of  such 
information,  permit  me  to  ask  of  you  the  favour  to 
take  such  steps  as  you  shall  deem  effectual  &  best 
to  engage  this  third  boat's  crew,  expeditiously.  Be 
pleased  to  speak  with  Capt  Mills  on  the  subject,  and 
to  advise  Major  Craig  at  what  time  both  setts  will 
be  ready.  —  Perhaps  they  may  be  so  engaged  that 
their  pay  need  not  begin  till  near  the  time  when  their 
actual  service  will  commence.  — 

Col°  O'Harra  &  Major  Craig  both  informed  me 
that  hands  could  be  engaged  at  12  dollars  a  month 
and  rations  at  15  cents  each  :  now  they  think  that 
good  hands  cannot  be  obtained  under  15,  nor  boat- 
masters  under  20  —  The  difference  of  three  dollars 
a  month  will  increase  considerably  the  expence  of  the 
undertaking,  which  without  such  addition  will  be 
very  great. 

However  it  must  now  be  encountered  if  unavoid- 
able. 

I  am  with  respect  &  efteem. 
Sir, 

your  moll  obed*  ferv* 
Timothy  Pickering 
General  RuFUS  Putnam 

LETTER  TO  COLO  PICKERING 

Marietta  June  ye  9th  1 794 
Dear  Sir 

your  favor  of  the  24*^  Ult.^  with  the  packets  re- 
fered  to  have  come  to  hand.  I  have  engaged  M'' 
Return  Jonathan  Meigs  Junior  ^  to  undertake  the  buli- 

1  Page  386. 

2  Return  Jonathan  Meigs,  Jr.,  was  Postmaster-General  from  1814  to 
1823,  and  held  other  unportant  offices. 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE       389 

nefs  of  Postmaster  at  this  place  ;  he  is  a  gentleman 
of  probity,  is  Attorney  at  Law  for  the  United  States 
in  this  County  and  keeps  his  office  with  in  a  few  yards 
of  where  Boats  will  naturly  land  both  on  ace*  of  con- 
venience &  Security 

with  refpect  to  Gallipolis  I  am  not  fo  well  ac- 
quainted there  as  to  fix  on  anyone  with  out  fome 
further  information,  which  I  expect  to  obtain  in  a  few 
days. 

I  very  much  rejoice  that  an  attempt  is  to  be  made 
to  carry  a  male  by  this  rout,  and  I  have  no  doubt  it 
will  fucceed  and  you  may  rest  afsured  that  Northing 
will  be  wanting  at  this  place  to  give  them  Secur- 
ity and  expidition  I  have  long  wondered  that  the 
united  States  have  never  yet  ellablifhed  a  po  [s]  t  neer 
the  mouth  of  the  Sioto  River ;  it  is  very  evident  to 
me  that  much  the  greater  part  of  the  Mifsch[ief]don 
to  boats  pafsing  the  ohio  has  ben  effected  by  Indians 
coming  down  the  Sioto  in  Canoes,  &  other  Craft  and 
fpreading  them  felves  along  the  Shores  of  the  Ohio 
for  fifty  or  fixty  mils  abov  and  below  the  mouth  of 
the  Scioto.  I  prefume  that  ninteen  twentieth  of  the 
Depredations  committed  on  the  river  fence  I  have 
lived  in  this  Country  has  happened  within  thofe  dis- 
tences ;  Several  Score  (I  am  certain)  and  I  belive 
more  then  one  hundred  people  have  ben  murdered 
in  that  quarter  within  five  year  and  much  property 
deflroyed  and  carryed  up  the  Sioto ;  a  grate  part  of 
which  I  have  no  doubt  would  have  ben  prevented,  had 
there  ben  only  a  Block  houfe  and  ftockade  erected 
and  a  fubbaltern  Command  placed  at,  or  Neer  the 
mouth  of  the  Sioto ;  it  is  that  part  of  the  river  which 
is  cofmdered  by  far  the  most  dangerous  in  pafsing 
Down  or  up  —  and  I  query  if  the  danger  will  not  in- 
crefe  when  it  is  known  (as  it  certainly  will  be)  that 
your  mail  regulerly  pafses  up  and  down  — 


390       OFFICIAL  CORRESPONDENCE 

Pardon  Sir  the  liberty  I  have  taken  in  giveing" 
thefe  hints.  I  have  no  view  but  that  of  giving  in- 
formation, &  a  wifh  to  fee  pubHc  fervis  promoted  and 
the  Hves  and  propertiy  of  the  Citizens  preferved, 
which  I  must  fay  I  have  thought  was  too  much  neg- 
lected in  the  inflence  I  have  mentioned — 

LETTER   FROM    COL°  PICKERING 

General  Poft  Office  Philadelphia 
June  20.  1794. 
Sir. 

I  wrote  you  on  May  24th  &  June  7th  ^  relative 
to  the  carriage  of  a  mail  by  the  Ohio,  and  the  es- 
tablishment of  poll-ofifices  at  Marietta  &  Gallipolis. 
Those  letters  I  hope  will  have  reached  you,  and  per- 
sons have  been  designated  for  poll-masters  at  those 
places. 

To-day  I  received  advice  from  Major  Craig  that 
one  boat  and  crew  were  ready,  and  that  the  other 
two  would  be  ready  to  follow  her  weekly.  At  Lime- 
stone the  mails  by  the  Ohio  are  to  be  fent  by  land  to 
Fort  Washington.  George  Mitchell  Esq.  was  named 
to  me  for  poilmaster  at  Limestone,  and  I  desired  him 
to  make  proviiion  for  carrying  the  mail  thence  to 
Fort- Washington. 

I  inclose  herein  a  key  for  the  postmaster  at  Mari- 
etta, for  the  lock  which  will  fecure  the  mail ;  and 
a  packet  for  the  postmaster  at  Gallipolis,  also  inclos- 
ing a  key,  to  which  I  requeft  you  to  give  the  proper 
direction. 

The  persons  accepting  the  offices  mull  give  bond 
with  fureties,  and  take  the  oaths  prescribed  by  law. 
These  are  now  forwarded,  for  both  places. 

1  Pages  386,  387. 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        391 

I  hope  fhortly  to  have  the  pleasure  of  an  answer, 
and  remain,  dear  fir. 

Your  moll  obed*  fervant 

Timothy  Pickering 
RuFUS  Putnam  Esq. 

LETTER   FROM   COLO   PICKERING 

Geni-  Post  Office  Augt  8th  1794. 
Dear  Sir 

I  this  day  received  your  letter  of  the  27th  ult°  — 
I  also  received  in  due  time  your  favour  of  June  9th 
—  The  pafsage  in  your  letter  relative  to  the  establish- 
ment of  a  poll  at  Scioto  I  marked  to  be  extracted  & 
fent  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  &  I  think  it  was  done. 
I  alfo  fpoke  to  him  on  the  fubject.  It  Uruck  me  as 
important ;  and  I  blame  myself  for  not  pursu  [i]  ng 
the  matter  to  effect.  Gen^  Knox  has  this  day  left 
town  to  go  to  the  Province  of  Maine,  and  will  not 
return  perhaps  under  two  months  —  too  late,  I  fup- 
pose,  to  make  an  establishment  at  Scioto  this  year, 
if  the  orders  for  the  purpose  have  not  been  already 
given. 

I  fhall  be  greatly  obliged  by  a  free  communication 
of  your  opinion  of  any  alterations  &  improvements 
which  you  think  would  be  ufeful  in  the  carriage  of 
the  mail  by  the  Ohio,  and  information  of  the  man- 
ner in  which  it  is  conducted  —  whether  with  due  care 
and  dispatch,  or  otherwife. 

I  inclose  a  commifsion  for  M"^  Meigs  the  pofl- 
master,  and  the  new  law  for  regulating  the  depart- 
ment of  the  poll  office. 

I  received  a  letter  from  M""  Mills  mentioning  the 
detention  of  letters  deHined  for  Marietta,  at  Pittsburg, 
where  they  have  been  advertised  in  the  news-papers. 

1  Page  388. 


392        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

Please  to  inform  him  that  I  have  written  this  day  to 
the  poflmaster  M""  Scull,  to  forward  all  fuch  letters, 
and  others  for  other  flations  below  Pittsburg,  in  the 
mail. 

I  accept  with  thanks  the  tender  of  your  fervices, 
which  I  shall  call  for  with  freedom,  knowing  the  cor- 
diality with  which  the  tender  was  made. 

I  am,  with  fmcere  respect  &  eideem 
Dear  Sir, 

Your  moll  obed*  Serv* 
Timothy  Pickering 
General  RuFUS  Putnam, 

Marietta 

COPY   OF    LETTER    TO   COL^   PICKERING 

Marietta  August  30  1794 
Dear  Sir 

Enclofed  I  Send  you  Francis  De  Hebecourts  Bond, 
and  Certificate  of  the  oaths  fubscribed  by  him  as 
Deputy  Post  Master  at  Gallipolis 

your  favor  of  the  8^^  inflent  ^  was  duly  recived  and 
I  have  prefented  the  enclofure  to  M"^  Meigs  — 

The  Male  boat  returned  the  22^  inflent  from  Galli- 
polis without  any  Mail  from  Lime  Stone,  that  Boat 
not  haveing  arrived  at  Gallipolis  when  they  left  that 
place  fo  that  the  Lime  Stone  male  is  now  a  week  be- 
hind, whether  this  Mifsfortune  is  oweing  to  accident 
or  Negligence  in  the  people  of  the  boat  I  cannot  tell : 
that  Tour  I  know  may  very  well  be  performed  within 
the  time  limeted,  at  the  prefent  feafon  of  the  year, 
and  Hate  of  the  water.  I  have  heard  that  they  ware 
detered  from  feting  out  from  lime  Stone  fo  loon  as 
they  ought  from  a  report  that  there  ware  Indians  on 
the  river 

1  Page  391. 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        393 

the  Boats  from  this  to  Whealing  and  alfo  from  this 
to  Gallipolis  perform  there  Tours  very  ealily,  at  pre- 
fent,  while  the  water  is  low,  in  about  five  days,  and 
I  have  no  doubt  but  they  will  always  be  able  to  do 
it  within  the  week  except  when  obHructed  by  Ice 
which  will  fildom  happen,  and  when  the  boats  cannot 
pafs  on  ace*  of  the  Ice,  the  mail  may  be  forwarded  in 
good  time  by  a  Couple  of  the  hands  takeing  it  on  by 
land  — 

But  the  distance  from  Gallipolis  to  Lime  Stone  is 
fo  Grate,  that  when  the  river  is  high  and  the  days 
Short  and  Cold,  I  am  fully  of  opinion  that  the  pafsing 
a  Mail  between  thofe  places  Weekly  will  be  imprac- 
ticable, prehaps  if  they  are  industrous  they  may 
perform  the  tour  about  twice  in  three  weeks. 

this  opinion  of  mine  is  not  founded  meerly  on  the 
report  or  opinion  of  others  acquainted  with  the  navi- 
gation of  the  river  but  from  my  own  experence  and 
obfervations  in  feveral  voiges  which  I  have  made 
between  this  and  Fort  Wafhington  in  Different  feafons 
of  the  year  and  Hate  of  the  Water,  and  what  ever 
may  be  the  opinion  of  others  on  this  fubject  I  am 
confident  that  experience  will  prove  that  mine  is  well 
grounded 

The  improvement  on  the  prefent  plan  of  Carrjnng 
the  male  which  I  would  fugest  for  your  confideration 
is,  that  a  Boat  fhould  ply  between  Gallipolis  and  the 
mouth  of  the  Sioto,  and  between  the  Sioto  &  Fort 
Wafliington  (which  fhould  Deliver  and  recive  the 
Kentucky  Mail  at  Lime  Stone)  with  this  alteration 
I  concive  there  would  be  a  moral  certainty  of  a  reg- 
uler  weekly  conveyance  of  the  Mail  provided  the 
people  employed  ware  faith  [ful]  to  their  Trust,  ex- 
cept in  very  extreordinary  Cafes 1  know  that 

fuch  an  arangement  cannot  take  place  untill  a  post 


394        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

is  ellablifhed  at  the  Sioto,  a  circumllance  I  hope  you 
will  not  loofe  Sight  of  for  reafons  which  I  have  hereto- 
fore Sugested,  as  alfo  that  you  will  fail  of  a  regular 
Weekly  Mail  for  neer  half  the  year  without  fuch  eftab- 
lifhment 

I  hope  northing  I  have  faid  or  any  other  circum- 
flance  will  opperate  as  a  Discouragement  fufficient 
to  prevent  the  fending  a  Mail  by  this  rout,  for  if  it 
is  confidered  in  a  Political  light  only,  the  information 
by  this  means  obtained  of  the  meafures  of  gover- 
ment  on  the  one  hand  &  State  of  the  people  on  the 
other,  the  knowledge  diffused  among  the  people  by 
Newspapers,  by  corrispondence  between  frinds  and 
other  communic  [a]  tions  with  thefe  remote  parts  of 
the  American  Empire  may  be  of  infinite  confequence 
to  the  goverment.  Northing  can  be  more  fatal  to 
a  republican  goverment  then  Ignorence  among  its 
Citizens,  as  they  will  be  made  the  eafy  dupes  of  De- 
ligning  men  &  infled  of  fupporting  the  laws,  the  rea- 
fon  and  policy  of  which  they  are  ignorent,  they  will 
flock  in  thousands  after  a  Demagouge  who  Sets  up 
[to]  oppose  every  meafure  of  goverment  which  he 
is  able  to  perfuade  them  is  not  for  there  intrest :  in 
fuch  circumllancs  the  well  disposed  are  born  down 
and  carryed  away  with  the  flood  they  [are]  inca- 
pable of  opposing  for  want  of  that  information  which 
thofe  within  the  circle  of  political  information  are 
polTefsed  of 

In  this  point  of  view  I  was  exceedingly  pleafe[d] 
with  the  fending  a  mail  by  this  rout  and  I  hope  the 
expence  will  not  prevent  the  continuence  althoe  it 
Should  rife  confiderably  beyond  what  was  at  first 
contemplated 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        395 

LETTER  FROM  COLO  PICKERING 

General  Post  Office  Jany  16.  1795. 
Dear  Sir. 

Tho'  appointed  to  the  department  of  War,  yet  as 
no  one  has  yet  been  appointed  poftmaster  general, 
I  occasionally  do  businefs  in  that  department.  I  feel 
particularly  concerned  to  do  it  when  it  respects  ar- 
rangements which  I  began,  but  which  from  any 
cause  have  not  fully  fucceeded. 

I  believe  you  know  that  at  firll  it  was  proposed  to 
employ  four  boats  to  ply  between  Pittsburg,  or  rather 
Wheeling,  and  Fort  Washington.  Afterwards  it  was 
found  that  the  mail  might  be  carried  by  land  from 
Limellone  to  Fort  Washington.  This  lefsened  the 
distance  about  70  miles :  and  as  on  enquiry,  there 
appeared  to  be  no  llations  for  exchanging  the  mails 
but  Marietta,  Gallipolis  &  Limellone,  thefe  were  fixed 
on  for  the  purpose.  The  confequence  was,  that  the 
Boat,  N°  3.  plying  between  Gallipolis,  145  miles,  was 
seldom  if  ever  in  time.  To  remedy  this  mischief, 
Col°  Mitchell  fuggested  to  Major  Craig  that  he  could 
fend  a  canoe  to  meet  the  mail  from  Gallipolis  ;  and 
from  Major  Craig's  letter  to  the  Gen^  Poll  Office, 
rec'^  during  my  absence  on  a  treaty  with  the  Six 
Nations,  it  was  understood  that  this  proposition  of 
Col°  Mitchell's  had  been  carried  into  effect.  But  on 
examining  Col°  Mitchel's  letters  to  the  PoU  Office, 
I  conclude  that  the  measure  was  merely  fuggested, 
&  not  executed.  The  Consequence  of  the  failure  of 
the  3d  boat  has  been  fuch  intollerable  delay  of  the 
mail,  as  almofl  to  discourage  a  prosecution  of  the 
plan  of  conveying  a  mail  by  the  Ohio  —  combining 
with  the  delay,  the  great  expence  attending  it. 

Lately  the  Kentuckey  gendemen  have  proposed 


396        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

that  the  mail  ihould  stop  at  Preston}  25  or  26  miles 
on  this  fide  Limeflone.  This  will  reduce  the  range 
of  the  3d  boat  to  120  miles.  I  have  afsented  to  this 
proposition ;  and  lall  week  wrote  to  Col°  Mitchel  to 
fend  the  poll  rider  from  Limeftone  up  to  Preston,  to 
take  the  mail  thence  by  land  to  Washington  (which 
is  4  miles  from  Limeftone)  &  thence  to  Fort  Wash- 
ington. This  will  increafe  his  ride  to  near  100  miles, 
and  give  him  pretty  conftant  employment.  —  M"^ 
John  and  George  Graham  are  the  gentlemen  at  Pres- 
ton to  whom  I  have  written  to  receive  the  mail  from 
the  boat,  &  deliver  the  one  from  below.  —  I  have 
further  proposed  that  the  Boat  N"  2.  which  by  one 
of  your  letters  I  fee  had  two  fpare  days,  to  wait  one 
or  both  of  them  for  the  arrival  of  boat  N°  3.  and  in 
like  manner  Boat  N^  i.  muft  wait  for  boat  N°  2.  In 
this  manner  I  have  hopes  that  a  regular  conveyance 
of  this  mail  may  be  effected. 

But,  my  dear  fir,  I  have  not  given  you  this  detail 
merely  for  information :  I  am  folicitous  to  commit 
the  whole  businefs  to  your  direction.  Your  fituation 
is  peculiarly  favourable  for  the  purpose,  as  two  boats 
weekly  arrive  at  Marietta.  I  know  too  that  for  your- 
self as  well  as  the  country  where  you  refide,  you  feel 
much  interefted  to  give  fuccefs  to  fome  plan  of 
carrying  the  mail  by  the  Ohio.  I  have  therefore  to 
requeft  —  and  you  are  hereby  fully  authorized  to 
make  fuch  arrangements  for  the  purpose  as  you  fhall 
judge  beft.  —  I  am  told  that  the  duty  of  the  boats 
N°  I.  &  2.  is  fo  light,  that  2  out  of  the  4  hands  are 
alternately  left  at  home.  Now  this  cannot  be  right. 
If  not  necefsary  for  the  fervice,  they  ftiould  be  dis- 
charged.   Or  if  ftill  the  duty  of  boat  N°  3.  ftiould  be 

^  Preston  ( Preston ville)  is  on  the  Ohio  River  below  the  mouth  of  the 
Kentucky. 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        397 

too  fevere,  one  or  two  hands  may  be  added  to  their 
present  complement. 

What  I  have  faid  in  this  letter  respecting  the  man- 
agement of  the  boats,  you  will  be  pleased  to  consider 
merely  as  hints  :  the  actual  arrangement  to  produce 
an  efficient  carriage  of  the  mail,  I  beg  you  to  make.  I 
fliall  drop  a  line  for  Major  Craig  &  Col''  Mitchel  to  ap- 
prize them  of  the  measures  I  have  defired  you  to  take. 

I  fhall  desire  Major  Craig  to  pay  regularly  all  the 
men  employed,  &  to  pay  ofl  any  that  may  be  dis- 
charged. 

Your  arrangements  you  will  of  course  communicate 
to  the  General  Post  Office,  where  I  fhall  fee  them. 

Should  the  Indian  War  be  continued  (which  God 
forbid)  I  fhall  not  fail  to  communicate  to  the  President 
your  opinion  of  the  utility  of  a  fmall  poll  at  the  mouth 
of  the  Scioto.  I  sent  your  letter  on  the  fubject  to 
Gen'  Knox  foon  after  I  rec'*  it. 

I  remain  Dear  Sir, 
P.  S.    It  has  been  fug-      with  great  refpect  &  efleem 
gested  to  me  that  Your  mofl  ob*  ferv* 

the  mail  boats  are  TIMOTHY  PICKERING 

much  too  heavy  for 
pushing  with  the  requifite 
speed.    Will  you  favour 

me  with  your  ideas  on  this  fubject  —  and  of  the  fize 
&  form  of  the  boats  befl  adapted  to  that  fervice  ? 
General  RUFUS  PUTNAM 

Marietta. 

COPY  OF  A  LETTER  TO  COL°  PICKERING 

Marietta  February  9'''  1795 
Dear  Sir 

your  favor  of  the  16*'^  ult^  was  recived  by  the  Last 

Mail.    I  most  fmcearly  Congratulate  both  you  and  my 

1  Page  395. 


398        OFFICIAL  CORRESPONDENCE 

Country  on  your  appointment  to  the  office  of  Secre- 
tary at  War  —  with  refpect  to  the  fubject  of  your  let- 
ter I  will  attend  to  the  bufinefs  agreably  to  your  re- 
qust,  and  no  time  will  be  lost  in  makeing  the  necefsary 
enquiries  in  ordor  to  make  up  an  opinion  of  what 
alterations  if  any  may  be  made  for  the  better :  I  shall 
endevor  to  afsertain  Myfelf  of  all  the  caufes  which 
have  contributed  to  prevent  the  reguler  arrivel  of  the 
Several  Boats  at  their  places  of  Distination  in  Due 
time  and  adopt  Such  Arrangments  as  fhall  appear  to 
me  the  most  likely  to  afure  punctuality  in  time  to 
come ;  which  will  be  forwarded  to  the  General  post 
office  agreebly  to  your  Direction 

COPY   OF  A   LETTER   TO   GEN^   PICKERING 

Marietta  February,  20*  1795 

Dear  Sir 

After  considering  the  fubject  in  every  point  of 
view  in  which  I  am  capable  of  contemplateing  it, 
The  plan  contained  in  the  enclofed  paper  ^  promifses 
the  fairest  to  enfure  a  reguler  and  efficient  carrage 
of  the  Mail  between  Wheeling  and  Preflon  of  any 
I  can  think  of,  under  prefent  circumllances.  I  Ihould 
have  prefered  Wednesday  infleed  Thursday  for  the 
Boats  arriveing  at  Preflon,  but  was  fearfull  this  might 
interfere  too  much  with  the  prefent  arrangement  of 
the  Post  riders  below  and  thereby  occation  a  Deten- 
tion of  the  Boats  which  always  ought  to  be  avoided 
if  poffible,  as  it  tends  to  beget  negligence  and  gives 
a  pretext  for  excufe  fhould  they  not  return  to  Marietta 
in  due  time,  and  I  did  not  think  myfelf  authorized  to 
interfere  in  matters  below  further  then  to  prefs  on 
Col°  Marfhall  the  necefsity  of  the  Mail  below  being 
punctual  in  her  arrivel  at  Prellon  by  Twelve  oClock 

1  Page  402. 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE       399 

on  Thursday ;  and  befides  Boate  N°  i  haveing  fre- 
quently failed  reaching  Marietta  untill  monday  owe- 
ing  as  I  have  ben  informed  to  the  Mail  from  Pitts 
burgh  not  arriveing  at  Wheeling  in  Due  time,  a 
Doubt  arofe  from  that  Quarter  whether  the  Boats  from 
Marietta  would  always  be  able  to  reach  Preston  be- 
fore Thursday ;  but  if  the  bufmefs  above  can  be  fo 
regulated  as  that  the  boate  ihall  not  waite  at  Wheel- 
ing after  three  oClock  on  Saturday  for  the  Eastern 
Mail,  and  the  bufmefs  below  can  be  fo  arranged  as 
that  Wednesday  Twel  [v]  e  oClock  fhall  be  the  post 
hour  at  Preilon  it  will  in  my  opinion  much  improve 
the  Plan,  for  in  that  cafe  the  Boats  will  be  able,  al- 
ways, to  leave  Marrietta  on  Sunday  evening  and  to 
arrive  at  Preflon  on  Wednesday  by  twelve  oClock 
with  the  greatest  eafe :  by  which  one  intire  day  will 
be  gained  for  her  returning  up  the  river,  which  will 
allways  be  very  convenient  to  the  hands,  and  in  fhort 
days  and  a  high  Frefh  may  be  abfolutely  necefsary  to 
enfure  their  arrivel  at  Marietta  in  Due  time  ;  for  the 
Defference  in  afsending  the  river  when  the  Water  is 
in  a  proper  flate ;  and  in  a  high  frefh  I  believe  is  full 
one  third  in  point  of  time,  and  one  half  as  it  refpects 
the  labour  of  the  hands.  I  have  no  doubt  of  the  pre- 
fent  Plans  fucceeding  for  fix  or  eight  month  of  the 
year  provided  the  boats  are  not  obliged  to  waite  at 
Wheeling  and  Preflon  beyond  the  hour  appointed  : 
and  if  the  alteration  which  I  have  fugested  can  be 
effected  and  punctuality  on  the  part  of  the  Post  riders 
below  and  from  Pitts  burgh  Produced  I  am  very  con- 
fident that  compleat  fuccess  will  attend  the  Boats : 
except  in  fome  few  inflences  in  the  Dead  of  Winter 
when  PolTibley  the  Ice  in  the  river  may  prevent  their 
pafsage 

on  enquirey  I  find  the  Distence  between  Gallipolis 


400        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

and  Lime  Stone  was  not  the  only  reafon  why  Boate 
N°  3  has  fo  often  failed  of  being  up  in  time  :  for  gen- 
erally they  might  have  performed  the  voige  if  the 
hands  had  exarted  themfelves  in  a  proper  maner ;  want 
of  industry  and  fubordination  among  the  Crew  and  in 
fome  inflences  Deferting  the  Boat  with  the  Difficulty 
of  procuring  other  hands  in  that  quarter  to  fupply 
the  Deficiency,  there  frequently  haveing  Pafsengers 
on  Bord,  are  among  the  circumflances  that  have 
contributed  to  the  Mifsfortune  to  which  may  be  aded 
that  haveing  a  more  Dangerous  and  harder  fervice 
to  perform  then  the  other  Boats,  it  opperated  as  a  Dis- 
couragement and  gave  them  a  pretext  for  excufe. 
But  I  trust  most  of  thefe  Difficulties  are  removed  or 
will  be  overcom  by  the  arrangment  I  have  proposed, 
for  in  the  execution  of  the  Plan  it  is  intended  that 
Boat  N°  I  fhall  take  her  Tour  Down  to  Preflon  with 
the  other  Boats,  (and  the  reafon  why  this  circum- 
flance  is  not  taken  Notice  of  in  the  first  inflence  is 
becaufe  I  am  told  that  the  Crew  of  that  Boate  ware 
engaged  for  the  perticuler  part  of  the  river  they  now 
occupy  and  I  did  not  think  proper  to  ordor  them  on 
a  more  fevear  fervice  untill  I  fhall  have  an  oppertunity 
of  Specking  with  them)  however  I  have  no  doubt 
but  they  will  comply  (if  not  others  will  eafily  be  pro- 
cured) And  the  Service  of  the  Boats  being  perfectly 
equel,  not  only  all  ground  of  complaint  on  that  head 
will  be  removed  but  emulation  excited,  and  being  all 
under  the  imediate  infpection  of  one  man,  any  delin- 
quency or  other  improper  conduct  among  the  hands 
will  be  more  eafily  discovered  and  if  Necefsar}^  the 
party  discharged  with  out  hazord  :  for  industrous 
fober  men  may  always  be  had  in  this  quarter  in  cafe 
of  emergency.  And  as  I  know,  from  my  own  experi- 
ence of  the  Navagation  that  it  is  practicable  for  the 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        401 

boats  to  perform  every  think  required  of  them  by  the 
System  proposed,  no  excufe  for  any  Failure  (under 
ordinay  circumflances)  will  be  admitted,  except  De- 
tention from  the  Deputy  Postmaster  or  other  Perfons 
from  whome  they  are  to  recive  the  Mails,  and  in 
ordor  the  better  to  Detect  any  Delinquency  that  may 
happen  among  the  boat  people  I  beg  leave  to  Sugest 
to  the  Post  Master  General  the  propriety  of  his  in- 
flructing  the  Deputy  Postmasters  with  in  the  range 
of  thefe  boats  to  forward  a  note  with  each  Mail  to 
the  Post  office  at  Marietta  flateing  the  time  of  each 
Boates  arrivel  and  Departure,  with  the  caufe  of  De- 
tention if  any  beyond  the  proper  hour.  — 
As  to  2  out  of  4  hands  of  Boate  N°  i  being  left  at 
home  &c  I  am  told  the  fact  is  other  wife.  4  hands 
inllead  of  5  has  in  one  or  two  inflences  come  down 
in  her  to  Marietta,  which  was  undoubtedly  wrong  be- 
caufe  the  rifeing  of  the  water  is  always  fo  uncertain 
it  never  ought  to  be  trusted,  however  if  the  plan  I 
have  proposed  fhould  be  approved  of  by  the  Post- 
master general  and  this  Boat  takes  its  tour  down  the 
river  I  belive  the  Service  will  be  fevear  enough 

you  mention  in  your  letter  that  Major  Craige  will 
be  defiered  to  pay  the  men  &c,  but  fay  northing  of 
the  mode  or  maner  how  or  by  whom  the  accounts 
are  to  be  certifyed  and  the  money  Drawn  :  If  I  may 
be  indulged  with  giveing  an  opinion  on  this  head,  I 
Should  recommend  that  M""  Meigs  the  Deputy  Post- 
master at  Marietta  fhould  be  Charged  with  this  bufi- 
nefs  as  his  fituation  will  enable  him  to  do  it  with  lefs 
trouble  to  himfelf  then  any  other  person,  as  well  as 
to  guard  against  any  impofition  or  claim  for  fervdce 
which  was  never  performed  — 

you  tell  me  "  It  has  ben  fugested  to  you  that  the 
Male  Boats  are  hevy  &c  "   at  prefent  it  is  my  opinion 


402        OFFICIAL  CORRESPONDENCE 

that  they  are  not  the  best  that  Can  be  conllructed, 
and  as  foon  as  I  can  fix  my  own  mind  on  the  fize 
and  form  of  one  which  I  dare  refque  my  reputation 
on   recommending   I    fhall   write   you   fully  on   the 

fubject 

I  am  &c 
P.  S.  punctuality  it  is  hoped  will  R  PUTNAM 

attend  the  post  riders  above  and 
below,  the  boat  masters  are  how- 
ever inllructed  to  waite  for  the 
mails  they  are  to  re[c]ive  and 
even  to  pufh  as  far  as  Lime  Stone 
if  necefsary 

PLAN  ADOPTED  BY  GENERAL  PUTNAM  FOR  THE  CARRAGE  OF 
THE  MAIL  BETWEEN  WHEELING  &  PRESTON  ON  THE  OHIO  RIVER 

[Enclosed  in  the  preceding  letter.] 

Being  Requested  and  Duely  authorized  by  General 
Pickering  to  Take  the  Direction  of  the  Mail  Boats 
on  the  ohio  river  between  Wheeling  and  Preflon  or 
Grahams  flation.  In  ordor  to  procure  an  efficient 
Carrage  of  the  Mail  between  thofe  places,  The  follow- 
ing regulations  are  to  take  place  from  and  after  Sun- 
day the  First  day  of  March  next  —  viz  one  Boat  to 
ply  as  heretofore  between  Wheeling  and  Marietta  : 
and  the  other  two  between  Marietta  and  Preflon  and 
to  commence  and  purfue  their  opperations  in  the 
follow  ordor  untill  the  fame  fhall  be  altered  or  Discon- 
tinued by  the  Postmaster  General  or  other  Proper 
authorety  — 

First  Boat  N°  i  Will  Leave  Marietta  every  Monday 
Morning  at  Five  oClock  or  on  the  evening  before  if 
She  chufes.  She  will  make  her  paisage  up  the  river 
fo  as  to  Deliver  the  Mail  at  the  Post  office  at  Wheel- 
ing  the  next   Wednesday  Evening,  unlefs   a  very 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        403 

extreordinary  Frefh  in  the  river  Ihall  render  it  em- 
practicable  which  will  very  fildom  if  ever  happen. 
She  will  leave  Wheeling  every  Saturday  at  three 
oClock  in  the  afternoon  and  arrive  at  Marietta  the 
Next  evening  by  Six  oClock. 

Secondly  Boat  N°  2  will  leave  Marietta  on  Monday 
the  2^  of  March  at  five  oClock  in  the  morning  (or 
the  evening  before  if  She  chuses)  She  will  arrive  at 
Prellon  the  Thursday  following  by  Twelve  oClock 
Delive[r]  the  Mail,  and  return  (with  the  one  from 
below)  to  Marietta  the  next  Sunday  Sennight  by  five 
oClock  in  the  afternoon. 

Boat  N°  3  Will  leave  Marietta  on  Monday  the  ninth 
of  March  at  five  oClock  in  the  Morning,  or  on  the 
evening  before  as  She  Chuses,  Proceed  to  Prellon  in 
the  fame  maner  and  return  to  Marietta  with  in  the 
time  prefcribed  for  N°  2.  And  thus  the  Boats  N°  2  & 
3  are  to  follow  each  other  in  reguler  rotation  whereby 
one  of  them  will  arrive  at  Marietta  every  Sunday 
evening  or  before,  and  the  other  at  Prellon  every 
Thursday  by  Twelve  oClock.  thefe  Boats  both  in 
going  Down  and  returning  up  the  river  will  Deliver 
the  mail  at  the  Post  office  at  Gallipolis  which  the 
post  Master  must  redeliver  in  one  hour  that  the  Boats 
may  proceed  on  their  voige 

Thirdly  No  Perfon  is  on  any  account  to  be  permit- 
ted to  take  pafsage  in  either  of  the  Mail  Boats  when 
afsending  the  river  For  as  every  increefe  of  Weight 
must  necefsarily  retard  the  progrefs  of  the  Boats,  the 
pafsage  of  confequence  will  be  longer  as  well  as  more 
tedious  and  render  their  arrivel  in  Due  time  un- 
certain — 

The  feveral  boat  Masters  and  hands  must  never 
fale  to  purfue  their  voyage  up  the  river  with  Dili- 
gence lest  an  unexpected  Rife  of  water  Should  pre- 


404       OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

vent  their  arrivel  at  the  place  of  Distination  with  in 
the  time  limetted  — 
Marietta  February  17^1  1795 

N  B  General  Pickering  has  wrote  to  M""  John  and 
George  Graham  at  Prellon  to  recive  the  Mail  from 
the  boats  and  to  Deliver  the  one  from  below,  and 
Col°  Marfhel  has  Direction  to  fend  the  Mail  from  be- 
low forward  to  Prellon.  but  as  its  unfertain  whether 
Col°  Marfhel  has  recived  General  Pickering  letters 
in  time  to  put  the  bufmefs  in  train  fo  foon  as  the 
first  of  March :  the  Boats  N°  2  and  3  will  proceed 
to  Lime  Stone  unlefs  they  shall  meet  the  Mail  at 
Prellon  or  they  be  informed  by  Missers  Graham  that 
it  is  expected  at  Prellon  in  confequence  of  Meafurs 
adopted  by  Col°  Marf [he]  1  for  that  Purpus  — 

LETTER  FROM  COL°  PICKERING 

General  Post  Office  Philaa 
March  25.  1795. 

Dear  Sir. 

I  have  received  your  favour  of  Feb''  20*^^  ^  It  was 
due  the  21^'  inllant  but  fome  obstruction,  I  fuppose 
at  the  Susquehannah  or  other  waters,  prevented  its 
arrival  till  the  23d. 

I  am  much  obliged  by  your  attention  to  the  Ohio 
mail :  I  doubt  not  the  arrangement  you  have  made 
will  prove  fuccefsful. 

As  the  immediate  direction  of  the  businefs  will 
be  at  Marietta,  and  the  performance  of  duty  by  the 
boatmen  be  there  afcertained ;  and  as  the  boats  N** 
2,  &  N°  3.  as  well  as  N°  i.  arrive  there  in  their  turns, 
it  will  certainly  be  proper  to  have  them  paid  there. 
This  I  shall  advife  to  have  done,  thro'  M*"  Meigs  the 

1  Page  398. 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        405 

pollmaster,  as  you  fuggest  —  until  a  new  Pollmaster 
General  shall  otherwife  direct. 

I  have  thought  that  as  soon  as  peace  shall  be 
made  with  the  Indians  north  of  the  Ohio,  the  mail 
might  be  carried  by  land  —  not  only  incomparably 
cheaper,  but  with  more  expedition  &  certainty.  I 
wifti  you  to  think  of  this  matter,  and  of  the  mofl  eli- 
gible route.  —  I  feel  much  confidence  that  we  fhall 
have  peace  with  the  Indians ;  and  then  I  fuppose 
ferries  will  be  established  by  settlers  at  all  the  deep 
waters  to  facilitate  the  pafsing  of  travellers. 

I  am,  Sir, 
with  great  respect  &  esteem 
Your  ob*  fervant 
Timothy  Pickering 
General  RUFUS  Putnam. 

LETTER  FROM  SECRETARY  AT  WAR 

War-Office  March  25.  1795. 
Sir. 

Inclosed  is  a  copy  of  my  letter  of  this  date  to  Gov- 
ernor S*  Clair.^  He  may  be  absent ;  and  hence  your 
advice  to  Col°  Sproat  on  the  fubject  may  be  the  more 
needful.  At  all  events,  I  could  wifh  your  judgement 
interposed,  in  the  considering  of  the  numbers  of  mili- 
tia really  necefsary  to  be  employed  in  gxiarding  your 
fettlements  on  and  about  the  Muskingum,  &  at  Gal- 
lipolis,  from  furprize  and  injury  by  the  Indians.  If 
the  Governor  be  absent,  I  shall  desire  Col°  Sproat 
to  confult  you,  &  to  let  the  ileps  he  shall  take  re- 
ceive your  approbation,  before  he  proceeds  to  exe- 
cute any  plan  of  defence.  I  hope  you  will  excuse  my 
troubling  you  in  this  and  other  matters  of  public 
concern.    The  only  apology  I  can  make  is,  that  mea- 

^  See  The  St.  Clair  Papers,  vol.  ii.  p.  338. 


4o6        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

sures  which  receive  your  approbation,  will  be  calcu- 
lated to  promote  the  public  interefls,  which,  especially 
in  distant  places,  are  too  often  sacrificed  to  private 
views.  —  I  also  inclose  a  copy  of  my  letter  to  Col° 
Sproat :  ^  and  am,  very  respectfully, 

Sir, 
Your  mofl  ob*  fervant 
Timothy  Pickering 
General  RuFUS  Putnam 

COPY  OF  A  LETTER  FROM  THE  SEC  OF  WAR  TO  COL  SPROAT^ 

[Enclosed  in  the  preceding  letter.] 
(Copy) 

War  Office  March  25  1795 

Sir 

I  have  received  your  Letter  of  the  23**  February, 
relative  to  the  Militia  Guards  and  Scouts  for  the 
defence  of  the  Settlements  on  and  about  the  Mus- 
kingum and  at  Gallipolis  My  Ideas  on  the  fubject 
are  contained  in  the  enclosed  Copy  of  my  Letter  of 
this  Date  to  Governor  S*  Clair.  Should  he  be  absent, 
I  request  you,  before  you  take  any  order  in  the  Busi- 
nefs  to  consult  Gen^  Putnam.  His  knowledge  of  the 
Country,  and  his  judgment  and  experience  as  a  mili- 
tary man,  will  be  useful ;  and  his  approbation  of  the 
Plan  of  defence  you  shall  propose  to  adopt,  while  it 
gives  confidence  to  you  in  their  propriety,  will  ensure 
the  public  approbation 

The  Rations  furnished  by  contract,  are  to  be  de- 
livered at  Pittsburg  and  Fort  Washington  —  All  other 
Places  are  to  be  supplied  from  those  two.  Mus- 
kingum and  Gallipolis  will  depend  on  Pittsburg.  As 
soon  therefore  as  the  number  of  Men  to  be  employed 

1  Page  406. 

2  Ebenezer  Sproat  was  the  superintendent  of  the  military  affairs  of  the 
United  States  in  Washington  County,  Northwest  Territory. 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        407 

as  aforementioned  shall  be  determined  on,  it  will  be 
necefsary  for  you  to  give  immediate  information 
thereof  to  Major  Craig,  as  well  as  to  this  office  — 

The  pay  of  the  Militia  in  Service  is  augmented  — 
A  Copy  of  the  act  regulating  it  is  enclosed. 

I  am  Sir, 
Your  obed*  Serv* 
Signed 

Timothy  Pickering 

Sec^  of  War 

P  S.  I  have  read  a  Letter  to  you  from  my  prede- 
cefsor,  dated  the  26*^  [?]  of  last  November  —  The 
documents  which  he  then  declared  necefsary  to  be 
rendered  by  you  relative  to  the  expenditure  of  Public 
Money  placed  in  your  hands,  have  not  yet  appeared ; 
and  he  afsured  you,  that  until  they  were  rendered, 
no  further  advances  could  be  made.  Let  it  suffice 
for  me  to  remind  you  of  this. 
Col  Ebenezer  Sproat 

COPY  OF  LETTER  TO  COL°  SPROAT 

Marietta  April  15th  1795 
Sir 

In  compliance  with  your  request,  agreably  the  in- 
structions of  the  Secretary  at  War,  that  in  the  absence 
of  the  govenor  you  Should  obtain  my  opinion  re- 
fpecting  the  Military  defence  necesfary  to  be  keept 
up  for  the  protection  of  the  Settlements  in  this  quar- 
ter and  Gallipolis,  haveing  considered  the  Subject  in 
every  point  of  view  in  which  it  has  Struck  my  mind 
I  am  of  opinion  That  under  present  circumstancs 
and  prospects,  the  permenant  or  Stationary  Militia 
Guards  at  all  the  Stations  may  very  well  be  dispenced 
with ;  that  a  few  Spyes  or  Scout  men  under  proper 
direction   will    afford    every   reafonable    Protection 


the  distence 
between  thefe 
places  is  between 
17  &  i8  mils 


408        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

against  the  Small  Sculking'  parties  of  Savages  which 
will  doubtlefs  continue  to  infest  the  Settlements  more 
or  lels  in  ordor  to  take  Scalps,  Steal  horses  and  drive 
of  Cattle  as  heretofore  untill  a  general  peace  is  es- 
tablifhed  or  prehaps  untill  Detroit  is  in  our  hands  or 
our  post  are  extended  down  the  Miami  So  as  to  ren- 
der Detroit  &  other  British  post  lefs  convenient  for 
carrying  our  Cattle  to  Market  then  at  present 

the  number  of  Spies  I  Should  recommend  to  Scout 
in  the  Vicinity  of  Marietta  Belleprie  and  Waterford 
is  12  to  be  disposed  of  in  the  following  maner  — 
viz 

4  to  have  their  rendezvos  at"^ 
Goodales  Sation  at  Belle- 
prie and  > 

4  at  Col°  Olivers  Mills  on  Wolf 
Creek 

each  of  thefe  parties  Should  in  alternate  rotation 
Scout  Quite  acrofs  the  Country  from  one  of  thofe 
Stations  to  the  other,  thole  who  randezvos  at  Good- 
ales  During  the  Tour  of  the  other  party  between  the 
Stations,  Should  Scout  bak  of  Sawyers  and  Newbury 
Station  as  far  [as]  the  Water  of  the  Great  Hockhock- 
ing  —  and  thofe  who  randezvos  at  Olivers  Mills  dur- 
ing the  tour  of  the  Belleprie  party  between  the 
Stations  Should  be  employed  in  Scouting  up  the 
West  Branch  of  Wolf  Creek  and  from  thence  acrofs 
to  the  Muskingum  as  high  as  the  Big  Bottom,  or  at 
lest  as  the  Standing  Rock  and  from  thence  acrofs 
the  great  Bend  to  the  Muskingum  again  opposit 
Shermans  Station  and  from  thence  to  there  randezvos 
at  the  Mills,  thefe  Scouts  if  they  do  there  duty  (of 
which  doubtlefs  you  will  inform  your  felf  by  Col** 
Oliver  at  the  mills  and  fome  other  Militia  officer  at 
Belleprie  under  whofe  imediate   infpection  I  advis 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        409 

you  to  place  them)  will  I  concive  be  fufficient  on  our 
weft  Bordor  —  and  for  our  Northern  &  Eastern 
Q  [u]  arter  I  would  recommend  two  Spies  to  randez- 
vos  at  Shermans  Station  above  Waterford  and  two 
at  Chapmans  Station  on  Duck  Creek  to  be  employed 
in  Scouting  in  rotation  between  thofe  Station  in  the 
Same  maner  as  it  is  proposed  for  the  other  between 
goodals,  and  Ollivers  mills.  Thofe  at  Chapmans 
during  the  toure  of  the  other  party  between  the 
Stations,  to  Scout  fouthward  to  the  Ohio  and  North- 
ward as  far  as  the  Forks  of  Duck  Creek  and  thofe 
who  randezvos  at  Shermans  in  like  [?]  maner  to 
Scout  on  the  North  Eastern  Side  of  Muskingu  [m] 
as  high  as  Meigs  Creek  and  Back  of  Waterford  Set- 
tlements as  [far]  down  as  Judge  Devols  Station 

With  refpect  to  Gallipolis  if  4  Spies  are  keept 
Scouting  every  day  back  of  the  Settlement,  as  far  up 
the  ohio  as  by  Kenhawa  and  occationally  crofsing 
Chickamaga  and  pufhing  Westward  and  Southerly 
as  far  a[s]  Racoon  in  the  prefent  compact  State  of 
that  Settlement  I  concive  we  ought  to  expect  that 
no  other  military  force  is  necefsary  for  their  protec- 
tion 

it  may  be  well  however  not  to  dismifs  your  present 
guard  untill  the  end  of  the  present  month  and  in  the 
mean  time  make  your  arrangements  for  engageing 
your  Spies  in  cafe  you  Should  adopt  the  Ideas  which 
I  have  Sugested 

Colo  Sproat 

LETTER  TO   OLIVER   WOLCOTT 

Marietta  May  12th  1796 
Sir 

by  the  papers  herewith  enclosed  you  will  perceive 

that  the  Lands  proposed  by  the  act  of  Congrefs,  of 


4IO        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

the  3*^  of  March  1795,  to  be  granted  to  the  French 
inhabitens  of  Gallipolis,  are  Surveyed  and  afsigned 
to  the  Several  perfons  entitled  thereto  (as  I  trust) 
agreably  to  the  intention  of  the  aforementioned  act 
&  your  inftructions  of  the  29*^  of  September  1795  — 
M""  Martin  met  me  at  Galliopolis  the  2^  of  November 
and  within  a  few  days  comenced  his  Survey  which 
he  complected  as  Soon  as  could  be  expected,  but 
from  an  111  State  of  helth  as  he  informs  me  he  was 
not  able  to  make  the  returns  before  the  25*^  ulta.  I 
proceeded  to  galliopolis  as  Soon  as  I  could  with  con- 
venience and  the  Several  lots  ware  afsigned  to  in- 
dividuals on  the  3^^  inflent  in  maner  Certified  in  the 
list  of  Drafts  and  I  beleeve  the  whole  bufmefs  has 
ben  conducted  to  the  intire  fatisfaction  of  all  con- 
cerned — 

M*^  Martin  States  the  Distence  run  in  executing 
this  Survey  to  be  152  miles,  72  chains  &  98  links  and 
the  time  necfsarely  employed  in  makeing  Duplicate 
plans  &  Certificets  34  days. 

my  agreement  with  him  was  to  excute  the  Survey 
at  the  rate  of  Three  Dollers  per  mile  for  every  mile 
actually  run  including  the  pay  of  afsistents  and  all 
expence  of  the  Survey  and  for  makeing  Duplicate 
plans  and  Certificats  of  the  courfe  distencs  &  Bound- 
aries —  two  Dollers  per  day  for  the  necfsry  time.  I 
have  furnifhed  M"^  Martin  with  a  Certificate  of  the 
compenfation  Contracted  for  and  that  he  has  exe- 
cuted the  Surveys  agreably  to  the  act  of  Congress 
and  returned  Duplicate  plans  Certifecits  &c  to  me 
but  refered  him  to  the  Treafury  Department  for 
auditing  his  ace*  which  I  fupposed  was  your  expec- 
tation the  other  Plat  &  Minuts  or  Certifecates  of  the 
Survey  I  Shall  agreably  to  the  act  and  your  inllruc- 
tion  return  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Teritory 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        411 

LETTER    FROM   SEC*^   STATE 

(private)  Department  of  State  Sept.  30.  1796. 

Dear  Sir. 

Accompanying  this  you  will  receive  a  letter  cover- 
ing a  commifsion  conftituting  you  Surveyor  General 
of  the  United  States :  ^  I  hope  the  appointment  will 
be  acceptable  to  you.  The  act  of  Congrefs  establish- 
ing this  office  and  describing  its  duties  you  will 
receive  with  your  commifsion.  Contemplating  a  va- 
cancy by  this  appointment  on  the  judicial  bench  of 
the  north  western  territory,  I  take  the  liberty  of  asking 
from  you  the  names  and  places  of  residence,  in  the 
territory,  of  the  gentlemen  who  may  be  considered  as 
candidates  for  the  office  of  judge,  with  your  opinion 
of  those  who  for  their  character,  talents  and  integrity 
are  entitled  to  a  preference :  but  particularly  I  re- 
quest your  opinion  of  M''  Oilman,  your  neighbour.  I 
forget  his  christian  name  ;  but  I  mean  the  gentleman 
who  married  Mifs  Ives  of  Salem.  I  once  knew  them 
both,  &  that  they  were  much  respected.  M''  Oilman 
must  be  now  more  than  fifty  years  old.  I  beg  you  to 
write  me  freely  &  fully,  as  you  may  in  confidence, 
only  for  the  President's  information.  I  consider  So- 
briety in  a  judge  as  an  e/senfml  quality  to  enfiire  re- 
spect to  the  law  and  the  government.  The  notorious 
want  of  it  in  one  of  your  bench  may  occafion  another 
vacancy ;  which  is  the  reason  that  I  enquire  for  more 
than  one  candidate.  Be  fo  good  as  to  write  me  as 
early  as  pofsible. 

I  am  with  llncere  respect  and  esteem 

D*^  Sir,  your  ob*  ferv* 
General   RuFUS  Putnam  T.  Pickering 

P.  S.    Do  you  know  of  any  respectable  man,  qualified 

^  Page  412. 


412        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

for  a  judge,  who  is  not  at  present,  but  is  going  to 
become  an  inhabitant  of  your  territory  ?  ^ 

letter  from  secyty  of  state 

Department  of  State 

I.  October  1796. 

Sir, 

The  President  of  the  United  States  desiring  to 
avail  the  public  of  your  fervices  as  Surveyor  General, 
I  have  now  the  honor  of  enclosing  the  Commifsion, 
and  of  exprefsing  to  you  the  fentiments  of  the  most 
perfect  respect  and  esteem  with  which 

I  am.  Sir, 
Your  most  ob*  Servant 

Timothy  Pickering 
RuFUS  Putnam  Esqn 


Surveyor  General 
of  the  U  S. 


V 


COPY   OF   letter   to   COL  PICKERING 

Marietta  October  15th  1796 
Sir 

Your  favor  of  the  First  inftent  ^  enclofeing  a  Com- 
mifsion from  the  Prefident  of  the  united  States  by 
which  he  is  pleafed  to  honour  me  with  the  office  of 
Surveyor  General  was  duely  recived  — 

this  expretion  of  the  Prefidents  good  opinion  of  my 
integrity  and  abilities  demands  my  warmest  acknow- 
ledgments, and  I  wifh  him  to  be  informed  that  I  most 
fincealy  thank  him  for  the   appointment.   But  as  I 

^  In  his  confidential  reply  to  this  letter  General  Putnam  suggested  the 
names  of  Joseph  Oilman,  Peregrine  Foster,  Return  Jonathan  Meigs,  Jr., 
and  Dudley  Woodbridge  as  citizens  of  the  Territory  who  would  be  suit- 
able judicial  candidates.  He  also  mentioned  Colonel  Ives,  of  Great  Bar- 
rington,  and  William  Judd,  of  Farmington,  as  prospective  settlers  qualified 
for  the  office.   Joseph  Gilman  was  appointed  General  Putnam's  successor. 

2  Page  412. 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        413 

concive  my  acceptence  of  this  office  will  or  may  be 
fupposed  to  vacate  that  of  Judge,  the  intrest  of  the 
Goverment  requires  that  I  fhould  delay  the  matter  a 
few  days  Becaufe  the  General  Court  of  the  Teritory 
ought  to  Set  in  this  County  next  week  which  it  can- 
not do  without  my  attendence  —  but  as  Soon  as  this 
Court  is  over  I  Shall  accept  the  appointmet  Shall 
take  the  oath  of  office  required  by  Law  &  be  ready 
to  recive  your  further  communication 

T  Pickering 

LETTER  FROM   M''   HABERSHAM    POST   MASTER   GENERAL 

General  Post  Office 
Philadela  Dec"- 16.  1796. 
Sir 

Col.  Pickering  delivered  me  your  Letter  to  him  of 
the  11^^  of  June  on  the  subject  of  the  Ohio  Mail  and 
I  am  much  obliged  to  him  for  thus  introducing  to 
my  acquaintance  a  Gentleman  of  your  character  and 
Information 

For  some  time  I  had  determined  to  drop  the  route 
down  the  Ohio  and  resume  that  through  the  Wilder- 
nefs  as  lefs  expensive  and  more  certain,  for  the  many 
failures  which  happened  during  the  course  of  last 
Winter  in  a  great  measure  interrupted  the  intercourse 
with  the  North  Western  Territory  and  the  State  of 
Kentucky,  and  tended  to  destroy  all  confidence  in 
that  Mail  —  Some  obstacles  however  have  occurred 
to  resuming  the  route  through  the  Wildernefs,  which 
determined  me  to  make  a  further  trial  of  that  down 
the  Ohio,  especially  as  I  had  an  opportunity  of  placing 
the  Contract  in  the  hands  of  M*"  Greene  in  whom  I 
have  the  most  perfect  confidence.  M^  Greene  is  of 
opinion  that  light  and  safe  Boats  may  be  constructed  to 
be  navigated  with  fewer  hands  to  much  greater  advan- 


414        OFFICIAL  CORRESPONDENCE 

tage  in  stemming  the  current  of  the  Ohio  than  those 
hitherto  employed  which  he  represents  as  quite  unfit 
for  that  service.  I  have  agreed  to  allow  him  an  ad- 
ditional Boat  and  to  provide  four  new  ones  at  the 
public  expence  on  the  construction  which  he  thinks 
will  answer  best.  The  mails  should  be  carried  in  Port- 
manteaus as  in  case  of  accidents  they  can  be  most 
conveniently  removed  and  I  presume  the  Boats  will 
be  large  enough  to  admit  of  boxes  fixed  in  such  a 
manner  as  will  secure  the  Mails  from  water  —  if  boxes 
are  made,  to  render  them  perfectly  secure,  it  will  be 
necefsary  to  have  them  covered  with  oil  cloth. 

I  now  enclose  you  a  Blank  Bond,  Oaths  and  Con- 
tract and  I  have  to  request  the  favor  of  you  to  see 
them  executed  by  M"^  Greene.  This  Contract  is  only 
to  continue  for  a  Year  at  the  expiration  of  which  time 
I  think  it  is  probable  that  the  Mail  will  be  carried  on 
M*"  Zanes  route  from  Wheeling  to  Limestone  —  this 
road  I  am  told  is  already  opened  and  has  been  pafsed 
by  some  persons  who  represent  the  distance  to  be 
about  Two  Hundred  Miles,  in  this  event  Marietta  may 
be  accomodated  with  a  crofs  Post  to  connect  with  the 
route  from  Wheeling  to  Limeston 

I  shall  thank  you  for  any  information  you  can  give 
me  respecting  this  road. 

I  have  been  very  free  in  writing  to  you  respecting 
this  businefs  as  I  know  how  much  you  are  interested 
in  having  the  Mail  regularly  carried  on  the  Ohio  and 
as  I  cannot  write  particularly  by  this  Post  to  M"" 
Greene  I  will  thank  you  to  shew  him  the  contents  of 
this  Letter. 

I  am  with  much  esteem 
Sir 

V  mo.  ob*  Serv* 

Jos.  Habersham 
General  RuFUS  Putnam. 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        415 

COPY  OF  LETTER  TO  MR.  HABERSHAM 

Marietta  January  25th  1787  [1797] 
Sir 

your  favor  of  the  16*^  ult^  with  its  enclofures  ware 
duely  recived.  I  fhall  allways  efteam  myfelf  happy 
in  rendering  any  fervis,  or  giveing  fuch  information 
as  is  in  my  power  to  the  officers  of  goverment,  and 
am  certainly  as  much  obliged  to  Col°  Pickering  for 
introduceing  me  to  an  acquaintence  with  the  Post 
Master  General  as  you  poflibly  can  be. 

I  have  ben  long  fensible  of  the  unavoidable  inter- 
ruption of  a  regular  Mail  on  the  ohio  by  Water  in 
the  Winter  feafon.  I  know  alfo  that  there  has  ben 
a  few  failures  in  the  boate  between  Gallipolis  & 
Preston,  partly  from  the  great  distence  and  partly 
from  the  negligence  of  the  boat  men  I  know  like- 
wife  that  there  has  ben  many  failures  of  the  Mail 
arriving  at  Wheeling  from  Pittsburgh  in  due  feason 
but  from  what  caufe  I  cannot  fay.  but  under  your 
Contract  with  M""  Greene  I  think  there  will  be  no 
failure  except  what  arifes  from  circumflances  unavoid- 
able, the  prefent  winter  is  extreamly  unfavorable,  the 
ohio  has  ben  fhut  up  with  Ice  for  a  long  time  no 
Boat  has  or  could  pafs  for  many  weeks  what  Mails 
has  arrived  have  ben  transported  on  the  back  of 
Footmen  there  being  no  horfe  road  on  the  ohio  open 
for  any  confiderable  Distence  — 

I  believe  a  road  from  Wheeling  by  Marietta  to 
Preflon  (or  Limeilone)  will  in  procefs  of  time  be 
opened  which  which  will  be  a  few  miles  neerer  then 
that  opened  by  Col°  Zanes  ;  but  I  much  doubt  if  it 
ever  ought  to  be  made  the  general  Post  Road  to 
Kentuckey  and  the  Northwest  Territory  Becaufe 
Zanes  Road  untill  it  reaches  the  Hockhocking  river 

1  Page  413. 


4i6        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

(or  a  roade  very  nearly  in  that  rout)  penetrates  into 
the  very  hart  of  the  Country  which  agreably  to  the 
ordinance  of  Cong^refs  is  to  compofe  the  South  eall- 
ern  Diflrict  or  New  State  Northwest  of  the  River  ohio 
and  is  alfo  the  proper  rout  to  Post  Vencent  on  the 
Wabafh  &  Kafkaskias  on  the  Miffifippi  indeed  fo 
far  as  I  am  acquainted  with  the  Geography  of  the 
Country  at  or  not  far  from  where  Zanes  Road  crofses 
the  Hockhocking  is  a  very  central  pofifition  from 
whence  to  communicate  by  Crofs  posts  to  different 
places  —  to  Lime  Stone  it  will  be  about  one  hundred 
mile,  to  Cincinnati  one  hundred  &  fifteen  —  to  Fort 
Hamilton  one  hundred  and  ten  —  to  Greenevill  one 
hundred  &  Twenty  five  and  about  the  fame  to  Lore- 
mers  [Loramie's]  Store  from  whence  is  the  portage  to 
S*  Mary^  Creek  Leading  to  Fort  Wayne  &c  —  fo  that 
if  I  am  not  Decived  in  the  Geography  of  the  Country 
which  I  believe  I  am  not  Marietta  and  the  other 
places  on  the  Ohio  between  Wheeling  [and]  Lime- 
flone  ought  to  be  content  with  Crofs  posts  communi- 
[ca]  teing  with  a  generel  Post  Road  pafsing  through 
the  hart  of  the  Country  not  far  from  where  Zanes 
has  opened  his  Road  —  however  in  the  courfe  of  the 
prefent  year  I  expect  to  be  more  correctly  informed 
of  the  Geography  of  the  Country  in  general  and  of 
Zanes  Road  in  pirticuler  then  I  am  at  prefent,  and 
fhall  not  fail  to  communicate  to  you  every  matter 
which  may  be  of  confequence  in  Ditermining  the  rout 
of  the  Mails  in  this  quarter  after  the  prefent  year  — 
M""  Greenes  Contract  Bond  and  oath  I  here  with 

enclofe 

I  am  with  much  efleem 
Sir 
Joseph  Habersham  Esq'         V  M^  Ob*  Serv* 
Post  Master  Gen^  — 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        417 

LETTER    FROM  COL°  PICKERING 

Philadelphia  March  17,  1797. 
Dear  Sir, 

The  post-master  general  informs  me  that  M''  Green, 
the  contractor  for  carrying  the  mail  on  the  Ohio,  has 
failed  in  the  execution  of  his  contract ;  and  from  the 
information  he  has  received,  he  is  fearful  that  it  will 
never  be  duly  executed.  The  disappointments  which 
have  happened  fince  the  river  has  been  open,  already 
excite  much  uneasinefs.  If  I  mistake  not,  M"^  Green 
had  your  recommendation.  At  any  rate,  as  well  as 
a  public  officer  to  whom  a  regular  and  expeditious 
pafsage  of  the  mail  will  be  very  interefling,  as  an 
inhabitant  of  the  Ohio  country,  and  a  well-wifher  to 
every  ufeful  public  inflitution,  I  am  fure  you  will 
cheerfully  promote  any  measures  which  may  be 
proper  to  remedy  the  mischief  complained  of.  Per- 
mit me  then  to  request,  that  you  will  take  the  trouble 
to  enquire  into  this  matter,  and  ascertain  whether  M'' 
Green  can  and  will  in  future  execute  his  contract 
with  punctuality ;  and  if  either  power  or  disposition 
be  wanting,  that  you  wdll  have  the  goodnefs  to  ex- 
prefs  the  fame  freely,  either  to  the  poflmaster  general, 
or  to  me.  —  The  late  Postmaster  at  Marietta,  M"^ 
Meigs,  is  I  believe,  M''  Green's  furety. 

I  am  forry  to  give  you  this  trouble,  and  more 
forr}^  that  there  fhould  be  occasion  for  it.  If  M"^  Green 
cannot  execute  the  contract,  he  had  better  frankly 
give  it  up.  He  mufl  excaite  or  renounce  it.  I  know 
that  the  poflmaster  general  cannot  and  ought  not  to 
fuffer  fuch  material  failures  without  being  obliged,  as 
well  by  a  fense  of  duty  as  the  complaints  of  the  pub- 
lic, to  attempt,  and  promptly,  to  provide  a  remedy. 
—  The   measures  of  the  poflmaster  general  will,  I 


4i8        OFFICIAL  CORRESPONDENCE 

believe,  much  depend  on  your  communications ;  which 
I  therefore  request  may  be  fpeedily  made. 
With  true  esteem  &  respect 
I  am,  dear  fir, 
Your  ob*  fervant 

Timothy  Pickering 
RUFUS  Putnam  Esq' 

LETTER   FROM   COL^   PICKERING 

Philadelphia  March  17.  1797. 
Dear  Sir. 

Bifhop  Ettwein,  President  of  the  incorporated  So- 
ciety of  Brethren  in  the  United  States  afsociated  for 
propagating  the  gospel  among  the  Heathen,  has 
written  me  on  the  nth  inftant,  that  the  Directors  of 
the  Society,  being  very  desirous  to  have  furveyed, 
the  lands  granted  to  the  Society  on  the  Muskingum, 
comprehending  the  Christian  Indian  towns  of  Salem, 
Gnaden  Hutten  &  Schoenbrun,  that  thofe  Indians 
may  resume  their  fettlements  there  without  delay, 
have  appointed  Mefs"^  John  Heckewelder  (whom  you 
know)  and  William  Henry  Esq""  (a  member  of  the 
Society  and  a  very  worthy  man)  their  deputies,  to 
attend  the  furvey  of  those  lands,  and  the  subdivifion 
thereof  to  accommodate  the  fettlers.  The  bishop  has 
requested  me  to  addrefs  a  few  lines  to  you,  doubtlefs 
in  the  expectation  of  its  facilitating  the  execution  of 
the  part  of  the  businefs  depending  on  you  :  but  you 
will  need  no  urging  to  perform  a  public  duty.  At 
the  fame  time  I  persuade  myself  that  it  will  not  be  a 
matter  of  indifference  with  you  to  gratify  my  wifhes, 
in  giving  dispatch  to  a  businefs  which  will  not  inter- 
fere with  any  fuperior  duty.  And  as  this  will,  I  ima- 
gine, be  a  service  quite  detached  from,  any  other,  a 
furveyor  may  at  once  be  designated  to  perform  it. 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        419 

The  deputies  will  defray  the  expence,  in  the  first  in- 
ftance.  —  This  letter  will  be  handed  to  you  by  Mefs*^ 
Heckewelder  &  Henry,  whose  known  merit  authorises 
me  to  recommend  them  to  your  attention :  and  I 
shall  take  the  liberty  of  sending  you  a  copy  by  this 
day's  post,  by  which  means  you  will  have  time  to 
make  the  proper  dispositions  for  their  affairs,  againft 
their  arrival.  They  propose  to  fet  off  in  about  three 
weeks. 

I  am,  dear  fir, 

with  fmcere  respect  &  esteem, 
your  ob*  fervant 

Timothy  Pickering 
RuFUS  Putnam  Esq' 
Surveyor  General  of  the  U.  States 

COPY   OF   LETTER   TO   M"*  WOLCOTT 

Marietta  December  2d  1797 
Sir 

I  herewith  enclofe  the  plans  of  three  tracts  of  Land 
which  I  have  caused  to  be  Surveyed  for  Ebenezer 
Zane  agreably  to  the  act  of  Congrefs  entitled  "An 
Act  To  authorize  Ebenezer  Zane  to  Locate  certain 
Lands  in  the  Teritory  of  the  United  States  North- 
west of  the  River  Ohio  "  and  in  purfuence  of  your 
inflruction  of  the  14*'^  of  June  1796. 

I  have  not  traveled  the  Road  my  felf  but  have  ben 
credibly  informed  that  it  is  opened  to  a  proper  width 
—  when  I  met  Col°  Zane  on  the  Muskingum  in  ordor 
to  fix  on  the  general  rout,  I  was  very  defierous  to 
have  the  road  Crofs  the  Muskingum  at  the  mouth  of 
Salt  Creek  ten  mile  below  M*=CoIlock  Ferry  where  it 
now  Crofses  —  but  from  the  apperance  of  the  Coun- 
try west  of  Muskingum  and  from  the  alTureance  of 
people  acquented  with  the  Country  further  west  I 


420        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

was  led  to  believe  that  it  was  best  on  the  whole  that 
the  road  fhould  Crofs  the  Muskingum  neer  the  mouth 
of  Licking  althoe  fomething  further  about  and  ac- 
cordingly consented  it  fhould  Crofs  there. 

I  have  fence  had  fome  reafon  to  believe  that  a  road 
may  be  had  to  Crofs  the  Muskingum  neer  the  mouth 
of  Salt  Creek,  as  I  first  proposed,  but  I  have  not  had 
oppertunity  fence  I  recived  the  information  to  afser- 
tain  the  fact,  that  the  Road  ought  to  crofs  the  Hock- 
hocking  and  Sioto  at  the  places  where  it  now  does  I 
have  no  doubt  and  that  the  general  course  is  right  I 
have  no  doubt  except  the  bend  made  in  Crofsing  the 
Mufkingum  as  before  mentioned  of  this  I  have  at 
prefent  fome  doubts,  althoe  I  had  none  at  the  time  I 
agreed  it  fhould  crofs  at  Licking 

Whether  admitting  the  general  courfe  of  the  road 
to  be  good,  it  is  opened  in  all  inllences  on  the  best 
ground  is  hard  to  ditermin.  in  a  covered  Country 
altho  great  pains  is  taken  we  must  be  very  fortunate 
if  we  dont  fall  into  many  errors.  — 

I  have  the  honor  to  be  with  great  Refpect 
Sir  your  most  obedient 
The  Honbi  Serv* 

Oliver  Wolcott  Esq' 
Secretary  of  the  Treafury 

LETTER  TO  M**  WOLCOTT 

Marietta  January  iS^^  1798 
Sir 

I  herewith  forward  my  account  for  the  Last  quar- 
ter of  the  year  1797,  with  Sundry  Vouchers  of  pay- 
ment, among  the  Items  you  will  observe  two  hun- 
dred &  fifty  Dollars  paid  to  W^  Rufus  Putnam  ^  for 
his  Servis  fix  months  as  Clark  or  afsistent  in  the  Sur- 

1  William  Rufus  Putnam  was  the  eldest  living  son  of  General  Putnam. 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE       421 

veyor  Generals  office.  In  your  letter  of  the  14^^  of 
March  Last  you  observe  "  that  a  Clark  would  be 
necessary "  and  whoever  will  attend  to  the  require- 
ments in  the  latter  part  of  the  Second  Section  of  the 
Law  which  points  out  the  duty  of  the  Surveyor  Gen- 
eral, must  be  convinced  that  he  must  have  a  Clark 
or  afsistent  in  his  office  capable  of  Protracting  & 
casting  the  contents  of  Platts  in  the  first  inllence  as 
well  as  Copying  and  recording  plans  &  minuts  in  a 
neat  &  accurate  maner  That  without  fuch  an  afsist- 
ent it  will  be  impoffible  that  the  requirments  of  the 
Law  can  be  complied  with  in  a  reafonable  time  & 
maner. 

I  am  fencible  there  is  no  exprefs  provision  for 
Clarkship  in  this  office  but  from  the  mode  of  expref- 
ion  in  that  part  of  the  Law  above  mentioned  (viz  to 
Cause  certain  things  to  be  don)  as  well  as  the  Num- 
ber of  Plans  &  Descriptions  to  be  made  and  re- 
corded, with  the  number  of  Copies  it  is  incumbent 
on  the  Surveyor  General  to  furnish  ;  one  of  which  is 
to  be  keept  ope7i  at  his  office  for  public  inforynation  : 
I  even  concived  that  the  Necefsary  expence  of  Clark- 
ship  was  to  be  alowed  togather  with  Stationary  as 
in  other  departments  :  under  this  imprefsion  I  ac- 
cepted the  office  and  althoe  you  informed  me  that 
you  was  not  authorized  to  Stipulate  for  the  United 
States  in  this  bufmefs,  yet  in  confidence  that  Con- 
grefs  would  authorize  any  necefsary  and  reafonable 
expence  (as  foon  as  the  businefs  of  the  department 
was  fo  far  advanced  as  to  require  it)  I  contracted 
with  M*"  Putnam  at  the  rate  of  Five  hundred  dol- 
lars a  year :  an  allowance  as  moderate  I  believe  as 
any  person  capable  of  the  businefs  can  be  procured 
for 

If  you  are  not  already  authorized  to  alow^  this  and 


422        OFFICIAL  CORRESPONDENCE 

the  like  Charge  for  Clarkfhip  in  future  I  must  request 
you  to  lay  the  matter  before  Congrefs  for  there  con- 
sideration :  that  I  may  in  future  govern  my  felf  agre- 
ably  to  there  Ditermination ;  when  the  expence  of 
the  frequent  tours  which  I  have  and  fhall  be  obliged 
to  make  in  to  the  woods  and  which  are  unavoidable 
in  the  due  execution  of  the  Surveys  —  the  expence  of 
attending  the  Sales  of  Land  at  Pitts  burge  &  Cincin- 
natia,  with  the  ocational  Jornies  that  must  be  mad  to 
the  Seete  of  Govermt  with  all  the  expence  of  keep- 
ing an  office  open  &c  &c  are  deducted  from  the  pre- 
sent Sallery  :  the  ballance  remaining  will  be  found  to 
be  but  a  very  moderate  compenfation  for  the  time  & 
Servis  of  any  man  capable  of  fulfilling  the  dutis  of 
the  ofBce  of  Surveyor  Gen^  and  therfore  I  trust  it  will 
not  be  expected  that  I  should  Charge  myfelf  with 
the  expence  of  a  Clark  with  out  an  alowance  from 
Govermt  therefor  — 

Stationary  is  another  article  I  ever  expected  would 
be  furnished  on  public  account,  by  your  direction 
M"^  Nourse  has  furnished  me  with  fome  paper  and 
Minute  Books  I  wish  to  know  if  I  am  to  apply  to 
him  for  what  Stationary  I  may  want,  or  if  I  am  at 
liberty  to  fupply  my  felf  and  Charge  the  United 
States  — 

In  my  Letter  of  December  2<^  M  informed  you  that 
two  of  the  Surveyors  employed  in  runing  out  the 
Military  tract  had  completed  there  work  in  the  woods 
(these  ware,  Mathews  and  Jackson  who  had  the  two 
Smaller  or  midle  Districts)  Ludlow,  Martin  &  Biggs 
I  have  heard  northing  from  for  feveral  months  the 
Severity  of  the  Season  I  fear  must  have  driven 
them  out  of  the  woods  before  they  compleated  there 

1  Page  419. 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        423 

work,  and  if  fo  they  will  not  be  able  to  make  there 
return  before  the  opening  of  the  Spring  — 
I  am  with  great  Refpect 
Sir  your  most  obedient 
Servent 
Honb' 
Oliver  Wolcott  Esqur  Secretary  of  the  Treafurey 

LETTER    TO    M'*    WOLCOTT 

Marietta  March  9th  1798 
Sir 

I  have  lately  recived  a  Letter  from  Capt  Ludlow 
informing  me  that  he  had  compleated  the  Survey  of 
the  Western  District  of  Military  lands  and  that  his 
returns  will  be  ready  in  a  Short  time.  — 

Martain  and  Biggs  have  disappointed  me  exceed- 
ingly they  both  commenced  there  Surveys  last  June 
and  by  contract  were  to  compleat  them  in  four 
months  which  they  might  eafily  have  don  if  no  mif- 
fortune  or  negligence  had  taken  place,  their  Districts 
were  feperate  althoe  their  Contract  was  Jo[i]nt. 
Martain  is  more  then  two  thirds  in  arear  and  Biggs 
neerly  one  half.  Capt  Biggs  excufe  is  that  he  was 
taken  Sick  the  Second  of  August  and  obliged  to  re- 
tire from  the  woods  and  was  not  able  to  reafume  his 
work  untill  the  23*^  of  October  and  that  he  was 
obliged  to  quit  again  on  the  22^  of  November  on  ac- 
count of  the  Severity  of  the  wether  :  he  afsures  me 
that  he  will  be  out  again  this  Spring  as  Soon  as  the 
Season  will  permit 

Capt  Martain  I  have  not  yet  Seen  :  but  learn  that 
he  left  the  woods  fometime  in  July  or  august  and  has 
not  ben  out  Sence  of  which  circumflance  I  had  no 
notice  untill  within  a  few  weeks   his  excufe  is  Sick- 


424        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

nefs  in  his  Family  :  but  I  find  this  must  have  ben  late 
in  the  fall  and  I  apprehend  after  the  time  had  elapsed 
which  by  contract  he  ought  to  have  compleated  his 
work  in  the  field :  Capt  Martin  has  formerly  exe- 
cuted fome  furveys  for  the  united  States  with  accu- 
racy and  punctuallity  which  induced  me  to  give  him 
a  District  in  preference  to  fome  others  but  at  prefent 
I  am  quite  dissatisfied  with  his  conduct  and  if  he 
does  not  exert  himfelf  to  compleat  [the]  Survey  of 
his  District  early  this  Spring  I  Shall  employ  fome 
other  means  to  effect  it 

With  Refpect  to  the  other  public  lands  my  inten- 
tion is  to  Survey  in  the  Course  of  the  present  year 
all  the  lands  lying  fouth  of  the  Military  tract  and 
west  of  the  Ohio  Companys  purchas  and  the  Seven 
Ranges  extending  Westward  as  far  as  the  Sioto 
River,  ellemated  at  about  3.150.000  acres  the  Sur- 
vey of  this  tract  will  employ  Six  Surveyrs  and 
arangements  are  makeing  accordingly  — 
I  alfo  propose  to  Survey  in  the  course  of  the  present 
year  that  tract  of  land  lying  below  the  Great  Miami 
River  and  above  the  mouth  of  Kentuckey  River 
extending  West  toward  the  Indian  boundary  as  far 
as  Shall  be  judged  prudent  without  giveing  Caufe  of 
alarm  :  at  the  Same  time  by  runing  out  one  or  two 
Rangs  of  Townfhips  on  the  West  Side  of  the  great 
Miami  extending  as  far  North  a[s]  Fort  Recovery 
and  the  Fork  of  Lorimis  [Loramie's]  Creek  I  fhall 
be  able  to  afsertain  the  true  course  of  the  Indian 
Boundary  line  without  the  Expenc  of  runing  a  ran- 
dom line  as  we  ware  obliged  to  do  at  the  North- 
ward   

as  Soon  as  this  is  don  General  Wilkenson  will  be 
notified  of  the  time  and  place  when  &  where  we  Shall 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        425 

be  ready  to  commince  runing  the  Indian  boundary 
line  from  the  Fork  of  Loremies  Creek  to  Fort  Re- 
covery and  thence  to  the  ohio  agreably  to  Gen' 
Waynes  Treaty  — 

As  Soon  as  the  Indian  boundary  lines  are  com- 
pleated  it  is  intended  to  compleat  as  Soon  as  may  be 
the  Survey  of  the  whol  tract  of  land  west  of  the  great 
Miami  included  within  thofe  boundary  Lines 
I  have  the  honor  to  be  with  due  refpect 
Sir 

your  obedient 

Servent 

RuFus  Putnam 
The  Honbi 
Oliver  Wolcott  Esqr  Secretary  of  the  Treafury 

m"  wolcotts  letter 

Treasury  Department 

June  I  St  1798.  — 

Sir. 

Your  letter  of  the  21^*  of  April  last,  has  been  duly 
received.  — 

It  is  to  be  regretted,  that  the  progrefs  made  in  the 
Survey  of  the  military  lands,  has  not  been  such  as  I 
had  reason  to  expect  —  I  shall  fully  rely  upon  your 
exertions  for  urging  the  persons  employed  in  that 
businefs  to  complete  their  Districts  so  as  to  enable 
you  to  return  a  general  platt  to  this  Office. 

I  have  not  seen  your  letter  of  the  18*^  of  January 
last,^  enclosing  your  Accounts  —  With  respect  how- 
ever to  the  charge  for  Clerkship,  I  can  only  observe, 
that  altho'  no  exprefs  provision  has  been  made  by 

1  Page  420. 


426       OFFICIAL  CORRESPONDENCE 

Law  for  that  object,  I  am  of  opinion  —  that  the  af- 
sistance  of  a  Clerk  is  indispensably  necefsary.  — 
I  am  with  consideration 
Sir, 
Your  mo  :  Obed*  Serv* 


Oliv:  Wolcott. 


,re 


RuFUS  Putnam  Esq"" 

Surveyor  General  of  the 
United  States 
Marietta  — 

FROM    M'*   PICKERING 

Department  of  State,  August  2,  1798. 
Sir, 

You  will  doubtlefs  have  observed  in  the  newspa- 
pers a  resolve  of  Congrefs  directing  the  printing  and 
distribution  of  ten  thousand  copies  of  the  instruc- 
tions to  and  dispatches  from  the  Envoys  of  the  U. 
States  to  the  French  Republic,  under  the  orders  of 
the  Secretary  of  State.  The  object  of  the  resolve  is, 
to  communicate  such  important  information  to  the 
citizens  of  the  United  States  ;  "  particularly  in  such 
parts  thereof  wherein  the  difsemination  of  informa- 
tion, through  the  medium  of  news-papers,  is  most 
obstructed."  The  most  beneficial  distribution,  I  have 
thought,  could  be  made  by  some  well  informed  and 
faithful  citizen  in  each  state.  To  such  gentlemen  I 
have  concluded  to  transmit  them.  And  to  render  the 
distribution  easy  and  expeditious,  I  have  caused  them 
to  be  made  up  in  packets  of  five  and  ten  and  franked 
them ;  so  that  the  persons  to  whom  I  send  them, 
may  have  no  other  trouble  than  to  direct  the  packets 
to  gentlemen,  in  all  parts  of  their  respective  states, 
on  whose  care  and  fidelity  they  can  rely,  for  the  most 
prompt  and  useful  distribution  to  individual  citizens  ; 
who  after  reading  the  dispatches  themselves,  will  put 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        427 

them  into  the  hands  of  their  neighbours  ;  to  give  all 
pofsible  extent  to  the  important  knowledge  the  dis- 
patches will  convey. 

Having  given  this  explanation  of  the  views  of 
Congrefs,  and  of  my  own  ideas  of  the  best  manner 
of  fulfilling  them,  you  will  permit  me  to  transmit  to 
you  the  packets  mentioned  below  destined  for  distri- 
bution in  the  Marietta  District,  and  to  request  that 
you  will  have  the  goodnefs  to  complete  their  super- 
scription, and  put  them  into  the  proper  train  for 
conveyance. 

As  the  gentlemen  to  whom  you  will  addrefs  the 
packets  will  need  information  of  the  design  and  plan 
of  distributing  these  pamphlets,  and  it  would  be  too 
troublesome  for  you  to  write  a  letter  to  each,  I  send 
herewith  as  many  printed  and  franked  copies  of  a 
letter,  adapted  to  the  object,  to  be  signed  by  you,  as 
there  are  packets  committed  to  your  care.  I  think 
it  will  be  a  fair  construction  of  the  resolve,  to  dis- 
tribute the  pamphlets  not  only  where  few  or  no  news- 
papers circulate,  but  where  news-papers  of  a  tendency 
to  mislead,  by  their  falsehoods  and  misrepresentations 
have  the  freest  circulation  :  for  by  such  the  correct 
"  information "  meant  by  Congrefs  to  be  difsemi- 
nated,  is  "  most  obstructed  " 

I  have  the  honor  to  be 
P.  S.    I  send  100  copies  to         ^  with  great  respect 
Gov"^  S*  Clair,  to  be  distributed  \      Sir, 
in  the  lower  country 
of  the  N.  W.  Territory 


> 


your  ob*  serv* 
T.  Pickering 


2  Packets  containing  10  copies  each  —  20 
6  Do Do 5 D°  —  30 


50 
General  RUFUS  PUTNAM. 


428        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 


LETTER    FROM  M"  WOLCOTT 

Treasury  Department 

Trenton  September  24,  1798. 
Sir, 

It  has  been  represented  to  me,  that  a  number  of 
Persons  from  Kentucky,  have  formed  an  intrusive 
settlement  on  the  lands  lying  Northwest  of  the  Ohio 
—  and  above  the  mouth  of  the  River  Kentucky,  in 
which  the  titles,  of  the  Indian  Tribes  have  been  ex- 
tinguished by  the  Treaty  with  General  Wayne  on 
the  third  of  August  1795. 

It  being  of  the  utmost  importance  to  the  United 
States,  that  all  such  lawlefs  proceedings  should  be 
checked  at  the  first  outset  —  I  have  to  request,  that 
you  will  immediately  take  measures  for  ascertaining 
how  far  this  representation  is  correct,  and  report  the 
result  of  your  enquiry  to  me.  — 

I  hope  you  will  be  able  to  return  the  plans  of  the 
military  lands  in  November  next  as  mentioned  in 
your  letter  of  the  3^  of  August  last  —  that  I  may 
have  it  in  my  power  to  make  a  report  thereon  to 
Congrefs  early  in  the  Sefsion. 

Enclosed  is  a  packet  for  Jacob  Burnet  Esquire 
which  you  will  be  pleased  to  have  conveyed  to  him. 
■ —  It  was  rec<^  by  me  from  M*"  Boudinot  Director  of 
the  Mint 

I  am 
Sir, 

very  respectfully 

Your  Mo  :  Obed*  Serv*. 
Oliv  Wolcott. 
RuFus  Putnam  Esq. 
Surveyor  General 
of  the  United  States. 


OFFICIAL  CORRESPONDENCE        429 

LETTER  TO  M«  WOLCOTT 

Marietta  October  30111  1798 

Sir 

Sence  reciveing  your  Letter  of  the  24*^  of  Septem- 
ber 1  I  have  had  information,  which  may  be  depended 
on,  that  many  persons  have  Set  them  Selves  down 
on  the  Lands  of  the  United  States  Northwest  of  the 
ohio,  perticulerly  in  that  tract  lying  Westerly  of  the 
ohio  &  Big  Miami  rivers  &  above  the  mouth  of  Ken- 
tucky river  in  which  the  titles  of  the  Indian  Tribes  have 
ben  extinguished.  And  also  on  the  Easterly  Side  of 
the  Sioto  River  it  is  Supposed  the  intrusive  Settlers 
in  these  two  districts  amount  to  three  hundred  Fami- 
lies, it  is  Said  they  are  chiefly  emigrent  from  Ken- 
tucky and  are  daily  increaseing 

I  am  alfo  informed  that  the  profefsed  designe  of 
the  first  of  these  Settlers  was  to  purchas  the  lands  on 
which  they  Set  down  as  they  Should  be  offered  for 
Sale  by  the  United  States  ;  but  of  late  there  are  Some 
efpecially  among  the  later  emigrents  from  Kentucky 
who  Say  they  mean  to  hold  the  Lands  for  Settling  on 
without  purchasing ;  provided  there  numbers  Should 
increese  So  far  as  to  give  them  a  prospect  of  Suc- 
ceeding in  a  meafure  of  that  kind  I  do  not  under- 
stand that  thefe  sentem[en]ts  are  genrally  &  pub- 
iickly  avowed  but  I  have  it  from  a  gentleman  of  whose 
verrafaty  I  can  not  doubt  that  Such  Sentem[ent]s 
have  ben  exprefsed  to  him  by  Some  of  them 

Besides  thefe  kind  of  Settlers  in  the  places  above 
described  there  are  prehaps  50  or  more  Scattering 
families  on  the  Waters  of  the  Muskingum  &  other 
parts  of  the  country,  East  of  the  Sioto  who  I  believe 
have  no  connection  with  the  other  no  [r]  do  I  con- 

1  Page  428. 


430       OFFICIAL  CORRESPONDENCE 

cive  there  is  any  Mifchief  to  be  apprehended  from 
them  except  the  damage  they  may  do  in  cultivating 
the  land  or  destroying  the  timber  belonging  to  the 

public 

Y' 

R  Putnam 

O  WOLCOTT  Es 


TO  J    HABERSHAM 

Marietta  February  26th  1800 
Sir 

I  herewith  prefent  you  with  a  plan  of  a  part  of 
the  Southeast  division  of  the  Northwest  Teritory 
in  which  the  local  Situation  of  all  the  places  in  the 
Teritory,  therein  delineated,  have  ben  afsertained  by 
actual  Survey  and  the  roads  &  distences  from  place 
to  place  may  in  general  be  depended  on  being  in 
most  cafes  afsertained  by  the  boundary  Lines  of  the 
Towns  and  Sections  through  which  they  pafs  (except 
between  the  Sioto  and  little  Miami  Rivers  of  which 
tract  of  Country  I  have  not  any  Minuts  or  plans  of 
Survey  &  therefore  the  courfe  of  the  roads  and  dis- 
tences in  this  quarter  are  noted  according  to  the  in- 
formation recived  from  others  —  the  local  Situation 
of  the  Post  Towns  noted  in  the  plan.  Situate  in 
Pennfylvania  &c  is  taken  from  Bradleys  General  Map 
of  the  United  States,  Except  the  distence  from  Mari- 
etta to  Clarks  burgh  which  has  ben  Meafured  — 

a  roade  from  Belleprie  by  Gallipolis  to  the  mouth 
of  Sioto  was  opened  the  last  fall  and  a  mail  may 
now  be  very  well  carried  by  land  from  Wheeling  by 
Marietta  to  Washington  in  Kentucky  and  the  dis- 
tence but  nineteen  miles  further  then  by  the  rout  the 
Mail  at  prefent  Travels,  the  people  on  the  Ohio  are 
daly  increasing  very  fast  &  new  Towns  &  Counties 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        431 

forming  on  both  Side  the  river  which  at  prefent  re- 
cive  little  or   no   advantage   from   any  public   Mail 

except  a  few  in  the  Vicinity  of  Marietta 

I  Should  have  wrote  you  on  the  Subject  much 
fooner  but  waited  to  be  fully  afsertained  of  the  road 
from  Gallipolis  to  the  mouth  of  Sioto  being  opened 
and  the  pratability  of  a  Mail  pafsing  by  that  rout 

I  am  with  due  confideration 
Sir  your  obedient 
Servent 

R  Putnam 
Joseph  Habersham  Es 

from  m"*  gallatin 

Treasury  Department 
June  26th  1802 
Sir 

A  Law  of  last  Sefsion  having  authorized  the  Sec- 
retary of  the  Treasury  to  lay  out  roads  in  the  North- 
Western  Territory,  and  having  concluded  to  have 
one  opened  from  Marietta  in  a  North-easterly  direc- 
tion, I  wish  to  know  to  which  spot  it  would  be  most 
eligible  to  direct  the  same  ;  due  regard  being  had  to 
the  nature  of  the  ground,  to  the  advantage  resulting 
to  the  inhabitants  principally  of  Marietta  and  its  vicin- 
ity, and  to  the  effect  it  may  have  in  promoting  the 
sales  of  the  public  lands.  —  S*  Clairville,  and  the 
mouth  of  Wheling  have  appeared  to  me  on  a  general 
view  of  the  Map  to  be  the  most  eligible.  —  I  wish 
also  to  know  what  the  expense  will  be  for  laying  out 
and  opening  the  same  ;  on  the  two  suppositions  of  a 
Waggon  road  twenty  feet  wide  ;  or,  of  a  horse  road 
twelve  feet  wide.  —  As  to  the  laying  out,  it  would  be 
most  eligible  that  it  should  be  done  by  order  of  the 
two  County  Courts,  the  United  States  paying  only 


432        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

the  expense  of  the  surveyor,  which  will  leave  so  much 
more  money  to  be  applied  to  the  opening  of  the  road, 
and  will  secure  its  future  maintainence.  — 

Another  road  in  contemplation  is  from  Opposite 
the  mouth  of  Grave-Creek  by  Lancaster,  the  mouth 
of  Walnut-Creek,  and  that  of  Mad-River  to  the  West- 
ern Indian  boundary.  —  That  part  extending  to  the 
Scioto  is  at  present  the  only  one  under  consideration  ; 
and  if  the  ground  is  favorable,  is  to  the  United  States 
the  most  eligible  that  can  be  opened ;  as  the  whole 
of  it  runs  in  a  Western  direct  course  through  the 
center  of  the  public  lands.  —  Any  information  you 
may  be  pofsefsed  of  on  that  subject  will  be  accepta- 
ble ;  and  as  connected  with  it,  the  knowledge  of  the 
several  existing  roads  already  opened  or  laid  out 
through  the  country  lying  between  the  Scioto  and  the 
Steubenville  district  would  be  desirable.  — 
I  have  the  Honor  to  be 
with  Respect 

Sir 
Your  Obed*  Serv* 

Albert  Gallatin. 
RuFus  Putnam  Esq  "^ 
Surveyor  General 
Marietta 

P.  S.  In  order  to  improve  this  season,  I  authorize 
you,  if  the  road  from  Marietta  to  S*  Clairsville  shall 
be  thought  the  most  useful  in  a  northeasterly  direc- 
tion from  Marietta,  to  contract  for  the  opening  of  the 
same  at  once,  provided  that  that  share  of  the  expense 
of  laying  out  &  surveying  which  shall  be  defrayed 
by  the  United  States,  shall  not,  together  with  the 
expence  of  opening  the  same  20  feet  wide  fit  for  a 
waggon  with  a  common  load  to  travel,  exceed  six  dol- 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        433 

lars  per  mile.  Should  a  different  course  be  more  eli- 
gible, or  the  expense  greater,  you  will  be  pleased  to 
write  the  same  to  me,  before  you  shall  act  thereupon. 

A.  G. 
from  m»  gallatin 

Treasury  Department 
August  9th  1802. 
Sir, 

M'  P.  Foster  has  communicated  his  intention  of  re- 
signing his  office  of  register.  The  place  is  hardly 
worth  having,  though  to  a  person  residing  in  Marietta 
it  may  not  be  inconvenient  to  hold  it.  I  will  thank 
you  to  recommend  two  or  three  persons  who  may  be 
willing  to  accept  the  appointment,  and  whose  capa- 
city and  integrity  may  be  relied  on. 
I  am,  very  respectfully 
Sir, 

Your  Obd*  Servant 

—  Albert  Gallatin 
RuFUS  Putnam  Esqr. 
Surveyor  General 
Marietta 

TO    M"   GALLATIN 

Marietta  August  i8th  1802 
Sir 

Conceiving  it  might  be  a  Service  aceptable  to  you 

I  have  taken  the  liberty  to  transmit  extracts  from  the 

minutes  of  Survey  defcribing  the  face  of  the  country 

&  quality  of  the  Lands  on  &  neer  the  courfes  of  the 

roads  contmplated  in  your  letter  to  me  of  June  26*^^  ^ 

and  alfo  on  fome  other  courfes  or  routs  for  which  in- 

quiery  has  ben  made  at  my  office  by  request  of  M"" 

Hoge,  Register  of  the  Land  office  at  Steubinville,  &c 

&c 

1  Page  431. 


434        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

Thefe  extracts  include  a  tract  Several  mile  in  wedth 
on  each  route  defcribed ;  and  give  a  correct  idea  of 
the  face  of  the  country  and  quality  of  the  Land  :  and 
by  compairing-  them  with  the  general  plats  in  your 
office  the  probability  of  the  fale  of  Lands  on  and  neer 
thofe  courses  as  well  as  the  practicability  of  makeing 
roads  may  be  better  judged  of  then  by  any  other 
means  fhort  of  a  perfonal  view  — 

Their  is  but  little  doubt  of  makeing  a  good  road 
from  Marietta  to  Wheeling  ;  by  a  pritty  direct  courfe 
to  S*  Clair-ville,  the  only  difficulty  apprehended  is  in 
the  Sixth  Townfhip  of  the  Fifth  Range,  which  has 
not  ben  Subdivided,  if  this  proves  broken  &  hilly,  as 
reported,  we  may  be  obliged  to  keep  more  Westward 
and  increafe  the  distence  prehaps  two  or  three  mile ; 
at  most 

From  the  ohio  opposit  to  grave  Creek  on  a  line 
Westward  to  Lancester  untill  we  enter  the  Sixth 
Range  the  lands  are  Said  to  be  very  hilly  and  broken 
however  a  way  is  opened  by  which  they  travel  from 
Grave  Creek  &c  to  the  Salt  Springs  of  the  Muskingum 
and  from  thence  to  the  Muskingum  &  Westward  by 
different  routes 

on  the  route  from  the  ohio  to  Lancester  after  we 
arrive  in  the  Sixth  Township  of  the  Sixth  range  the 
greatest  difficulty  in  obtaining  a  pritty  direct  &  tolla- 
rable  good  road  I  apprehend  will  be  found  neer  the 
Muskingum  river  efpecially  on  the  Westerly  Side 
however  I  believe  the  difficulty  of  the  Muskingum 
hills  may  be  furmounted  — 

In  the  course  defcribed  from  the  ford  of  Muskin- 
gum river  at  the  foot  of  Duncans  falls,  to  the  falls 
of  Hockhocking  the  Muskingum  hills  &c  in  the  lo 
&  ii'^  Townships  of  the  13*^  Range  are  very  high 
and  the  Country  uncommonly  broken,  but  it  is  pre- 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        435 

fumed  that  by  winding  the  hills  a  pafsable  road 
may  be  obtained  and  after  entering  the  14*''  Town- 
ship of  the  14^^  Range  I  expect  a  good  roade  may 
be  had  to  the  falls  of  Hockhocking  without  much 
difficulty  — 

From  the  Hockhocking  river  to  Chillacothe  the 
probability  is  that  after  falling  into  Dunmores  path  a 
little  fouthward  of  the  falls  we  must  follow  a  winding 
course  through  the  18*^  19*^  &  20^^  Ranges  into  the 
flat  Country  a  few  Miles  north  of  Chillacothe  — 

From  the  falls  of  Hockhocking  to  the  Salt  Springs 
of  Scioto  I  have  no  information  but  what  is  obtained 
from  the  Minuts  of  Survey  :  from  them  the  probability 
is  that  a  pritty  direct  &  tollarable  good  roade  may  be 
found  — 

With  refpect  to  the  "  existing  roads  already  opened 
or  Laid  out  through  the  country  lying  between  the 
Scioto  and  the  Steuben ville  district"  I  can  give  but 
little  information.  I  am  told  that  a  wagon  road  has 
ben  opened  from  Georgetown  on  the  ohio  neer  the 
Mouth  of  Little  Bever,  to  Gnadenhutten  on  the  Mus- 
kingum &  is  confiderably  traveled  and  a  horfe  road 
from  Gnadenhutten  by  or  neer  the  river  down  to  Zane- 
ville  :  alfo  a  road  from  Wakatomaka  to  Scioto  neer  the 
mouth  of  Whetilone  river  and  a  roade  from  Zane- 
ville  up  Licking  Creek  to  interfect  the  last  mentioned 
road  I  have  alfo  ben  informed  that  their  is  a  horfe 
road  opened  from  the  ohio  opposit  Charlestown  to 
the  post  road  at  the  crofsing  of  Wills  Creek  thefe  are 
all  the  roads  North  of  the  post  road  and  properly 
lying  between  Steubenville  diflrict  and  the  Scioto  that 
I  have  heard  of  worth  mentioning  and  I  prefume 
none  of  them  have  ben  laid  out  or  ellablished  by  legal 
authority  — 

to  the  fouth  of   the  post  road ;  befides  the  road 


436        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

already  mentioned  from  Grave  Creek  to  the  Salt 
works  ;  a  road  has  ben  opened  from  the  post  road  a 
few  miles  West  of  Wills  Creek  to  the  Salt  works  and 
a  good  Waggon  road  from  thence  to  the  Muskingum 
at  the  ford  below  Duncans  falls :  and  from  thence  a 
horfe  road  was  a  few  years  Sence  opened  in  a  pritty 
direct  courfe  into  the  post  road  Some  miles  Eastward 
of  Lancester 

A  road  has  lately  ben  laid  out  by  ordor  of  the 
County  Court  from  Marietta  to  Zaneville  which 
enters  the  public  Lands  in  Section  N°  33  Township 
N°  6  Range  N°  9  leaving  the  old  horse  path  to  the 
West  untill  it  approaches  within  five  or  six  mile  of 

the  Salt  works 

I  have  the  honor  to  be  with 
great  refpect 
Sir 
your  obedient  Servent 
The  Hon^i 

Albert  Gallatin  Esquire 
Secretary  of  the  Treafury  — 

from  m"*  gallatin 

Treasury  department 
October  6  1802 
Sir. 

Your  letter  of  the  23^^  August  was  received  during 
a  temporary  excursion  to  New- York,  It  had  been 
delayed  longer  than  was  expected,  and  M*"  Woods 
had  received  a  commifsion  before  its  receipt. 

The  circumstance  of  the  capacity  of  M''  Edwin 
Putnam  to  fill  the  office,  was  known  to  me,  before  I 
had  written  to  you  on  the  subject ;  but  there  appeared 
some  incompatibility  in  the  son  of  the  Surveyor 
General,  being  appointed  Register  of  the  Land-Office ; 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        437 

not  that  it  was  an  objection  which  could  not  be  over- 
come, for  it  was  my  intention  to  have  recommended 
him  to  the  President,  if  no  respectable  recommenda- 
tion could  be  obtained  for  another  person  ;  but  if 
another  could  be  found,  it  was  considered  as  more 
eligible. 

I  have  the  honor 
to  be,  very  respectfully 
Sir, 
RUFUS  Putnam  Esq'  Your  obed*  Serv* 

Surveyor  General  ALBERT  GALLATIN 

Marietta 


TO   M"*    GALLATIN 

Marietta  March  28th  1803 
Sir 

haveing  communicated  to  the  County  Courts,  of 
Wafhington  and  Belmont,  your  proposition  of  open- 
ing a  road  from  Marietta  to  Wheeling  by  the  way  of 
S*  Clairvill  (exprefsed  in  your  Letter  to  me  of  the 
26**^  of  June  last  ^)  they  in  December  last  appointed 
Committes  to  examin  the  ground  and  lay  the  road  : 
confident  of  the  utility  of  this  road  :  not  only  for  the 
accommodation  of  the  travel  in  general,  but  also 
in  promoteing  the  Sale  of  the  public  Lands  through 
which  it  pafses  &  that  it  would  be  a  Saveing  of  ex- 
pence  to  employ  a  Surveyor  in  the  first  inllence  I 
accordingly  agreed  to  furnish  one  :  which  meafure 
I  hope  you  will  approve  of 

this  new  road  leaves  an  old  one  already  opened, 
about  five  mile  from  Marietta  &  in  about  two  mile  & 
a  quarter  enters  the  public  lands  and  continues  in 
them  to  St  Clairville  except  crofsing  a  few  Sections 
neer  that  Town  which  have  ben  Sold  —  the  Distence 

1  Page  431. 


438        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

Surveyed  is  Seventy  mile  &  a  few  Chains  —  the  Sur- 
veyors bills  @  three  Dollars  per  day  while  in  the 
woods  &  two  Dollars  per  day  while  making  their 
returns  amount  to  $84.50  — 

with  refpect  to  the  expence  of  opening  the  road  I 
find  different  opinions  among  those  who  have  viewed 
the  ground  :  but  none  Suppose  that  a  Waggon  road 
can  be  made  twenty  feet  wide  for  Six  Dollars  per  mile 
including  the  Survey  ;  Some  Suppose  that  it  will  cost 
double  the  labour  on  twenty  feet  wide  that  it  would 
on  twelve  —  on  the  whole  I  am  of  the  opinion  that  four 
Dollars  per  mile  for  opening  &  makeing  a  pafsable 
Wagon  road,  twelve  feet  wide,  is  as  low  as  may  be  ex- 
pected that  people  will  contract  and  in  that  propotion 
for  a  greater  wedth  —  and  confidering  the  nature  of 
the  country  in  general  through  which  this  road  pafses 
I  am  of  opinion  that  an  opening  of  fifteen  feet  wide 
will  anfwer  very  well 

In  ordor  to  have  the  work  don  at  the  lowest  pofsi- 
ble  rate  I  beg  leave  to  Sugest  the  propriety  of  Some 
person  being  authorized  (within  Such  limits  as  you 
Shall  prescribe)  to  contract  with  the  lowest  bidder 

I  have  the  honour  to  be 
with  the  highest  refpect 

Sir  your  obedient  Servent 

Albert  Gallatin  Esquire 
Secretary  of  the  Treafury 

from  m**  gallatin 

Treasury  Department 
April  16"  1803 
Sir 

Your  letter  of  the  28*^  March  ^  has  been  duly  re- 
ceived. 

1  Page  437. 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE       439 

As  you  have  taken  the  pains  of  having  the  road 
from  Marietta  to  S*  Clairville  surveyed,  I  will  thank 
you  to  contract  with  the  lowest  bidder  for  opening 
the  same,  and  making  it  pafsable  for  a  waggon,  pro- 
vided that  the  price  shall  not  exceed  five  dollars  per 
mile.  The  amount  of  that  contract  and  the  Account 
of  the  Surveyor,  being  both  certified  by  you,  will  be 
discharged  by  the  register  of  the  land  office  at  Steu- 
benville,  who  has  received  instructions  on  that  sub- 
ject. — 

I  am,  very  respectfully 
Sir, 

Your  Obed :  Servt 
—  Albert  Gallatin 
RuFUS  Putnam  Esq'' 

Surveyor  General 
Marietta. 

FROM    M''   GALLATIN 

Treasury  Department  21  Septer  1803 
Sir 

The  President  of  the  United  States  having  ap- 
pointed Jared  Mansfield  of  Connecticut  Surveyor 
General  of  the  United  States,  I  have  to  request,  that 
on  his  arrival  at  Marietta,  you  will  deliver  over  to 
him  the  public  papers,  records,  documents  &  other 
public  property  in  your  pofsefsion,  and  take,  in  con- 
cert with  him,  such  arrangements  respecting  the 
completion  of  contracts  for  surveying  not  yet  fully 
executed,  as  will  prevent  any  embarrafsment  in  the 
public  businefs  and  in  the  settlement  of  the  accounts. 
You  will  be  pleased  to  consider  yourself  authorized 
to  act  till  M*^  Mansfield's  arrival  at  Marietta,  at  which 
time  your  salary  will  cease  &  his  will  commence. 
After  that  date,  it  will  not  be  proper  for  you  to  make 


440       OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

any  further  drafts  on  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury ; 
but  you  will  be  pleased  to  transmit,  as  early  as  con- 
venient thereafter,  your  accounts  to  that  time ;  any 
balance  of  public  monies  then  in  your  hands  you 
will  pay  to  your  succefsor  taking  duplicate  receipts 
for  the  same ;  and  if  any  balance  should  be  due  to 
you,  it  will,  on  the  settlement  of  your  accounts,  be 
transmitted  in  a  draft  on  one  of  the  receivers  of  pub- 
lic monies.  At  what  time  M""  Mansfield  may  reach 
Marietta,  I  cannot  with  precision  determine,  but  pre- 
sume it  will  be  within  a  month  from  this  date. 

The  ag-ency  in  completing  the  road  from  Marietta 
to  S*  Clair' sville  being  altogether  distinct  from  the 
ofBce  of  Surveyor  General,  I  wish,  that  you  would, 
if  not  inconvenient  to  yourself,  finish  what  relates  to 
that  object. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be 
with  great  respect 
Sir 

Your  obed*  Serv* 
Albert  Gallatin 
RuFUS  Putnam  Esq""® 
Surveyor  General 
Marietta 

TO    M"   GALLATIN 

Marietta  February  iS'h  1804 
Sir 

M""  Manffield  arrived  at  Marietta  the  25*'^  of  Octo- 
ber But  did  not  take  charge  of  bufinefs  in  the  office 
untill  the  first  of  November,  to  which  time  I  con- 
tinued in  the  office  with  my  Clerks,  have  paid  them 
accordingly  &  expect  you  will  direct  the  payment  of 
my  Salary  to  that  period  — 

Your  request  to  "  deliver  over  the  public  papers 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE       441 

records  documents  and  other  public  property  in  my 
pofsefsion  to"  M""  Manffield  "and  take  in  concert 
with  him  fuch  arangments  refpecting  the  complea- 
tion  of  contracts  for  Surveying  not  yet  fully  executed 
as  will  prevent  any  embarrafment  in  the  public  bufi- 
nefs  and  in  the  fettlement  of  the  accounts  "  has  ben 
attended  to  with  as  much  care  as  I  Should  have  don 
had  I  had  the  honour  of  refigning  my  office  and  M"" 
Manffield  on  my  recommondation  ben  appointed  to 
fucceed  me  ;  prehaps  you  may  imagine  this  conduct 
looks  like  pafsive  obedience  and  nonrefistence,  or 
that  I  am  courting  favor,  mistake  me  not  I  have  don 
no  more  then  what  I  concive  to  be  the  duty  of  every 
public  officer  in  like  circumflances,  and  I  am  too  in- 
dependent to  be  influenced  by  the  prejudices  of  the 
times 

I  had  drawn  for  no  more  money  then  to  balance 
my  account  closed  to  the  30*^  of  September,  therefore 
none  to  pay  over  to  my  Succefsor 

I  have  transmitted  two  accounts  to  the  auditor  for 
Settlement.  N°  i  besides  Clerk  hire  for  the  month 
of  October  last  contains  an  account  of  contingent 
expences  in  my  office  of  various  items,  Sence  its 
first  opening  but  I  trust  their  is  none  but  what  have 
ben  admitted  as  a  good  Charge  against  the  United 
States  in  Similar  cafes,  a  few  remarks  may  be  necef- 
sary.  the  Charge  for  office  rent  is  as  low  as  ever 
paid  in  this  town,  the  printing  by  M""  Collerick  was 
Blanks  for  Leafing  the  referved  fections,  203  leafes 
had  ben  ifsued  and  the  remaining  Blanks  have  ben 
delivered  to  M"^  Mansfield,  as  the  Law  made  no  pro- 
vision for  demanding  a  fee  from  the  tennants,  none 
was  taken,  the  expence  therefore  I  concive  to  be  a 
good  charge  against  the  united  States,  efpecially  as 
the  Writing  them  out  would  have  taken  up  much 
time  of  the  Clerks  — 


442        OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE 

to  pay  the  postage  of  the  Registers  returns,  was 
an  expence  I  could  not  avoid,  as  the  Law  required 
thefe  returns  to  be  made  I  was  undoubtedly  bound  to 
recive  them  but  furely  Goverment  could  not  intend 
that  fuch  expence  Should  entirely  be  born  by  her 
officers 

If  any  doubt  is  entertained  with  refpect  to  the 
weight  of  these  returns  it  may  in  a  Meafure  be  afser- 
tained  by  those  in  the  office  of  the  Register  of  the 
Treafary  of  which  thefe  are  Copies. 

I  have  forwarded  another  account  N°  2  for  Service 
&c  before  I  was  appointed  Surveyor  General,  &  a 
tour  in  the  Woods  fometime  after  on  the  fame  bufi- 
nefs.  I  ought  to  have  prefented  this  to  M'^  Wolcott 
when  I  was  at  Philadelphia  in  1799  but  I  forgot  to 
take  the  papers  with  me  at  that  time,  and  having 
contemplated  paying  a  vifit  to  the  Seat  of  goverment, 
I  omitted  Sending  on  the  account  untill  now.  —  the 
amount  of  my  claims  are  as  follows 

viz.  per  account  N°  i $385.68! 

per       do      N**  2 62.20 

For  my  Salary  for  the  month  of   October 

last i66.66| 

614-55 

I  have  to  request  that  you  will  give  fuch  directions 
for  the  fettlement  of  thefe  accounts  as  to  justice  ap- 
pertains, and  for  the  balance  found  due  to  me  please 
to  forward  a  draught  on  one  of  the  recivers  of  public 
moneys  in  this  quarter  — 

My  Contract  for  opening  the  road  to  St  Clairville 
was  at  five  Dollars  per  mile 

70  mile  I  Ch" $350.06 

Expence  of  the  Survey 84.50 

434.56 


OFFICIAL   CORRESPONDENCE        443 

The  undertakers  report  that  they  have  compleated 
the  work,  this  was  the  last  of  December  and  the  Sea- 
fon  has  ben  fuch  Severe  as  to  for  bid  my  having  the 
work  examined,  this  however  will  be  don  before  I 
draw  any  money  from  M""  Hoge 

M'  Gallatin 

from  m"*  gallatin 

Treasury  Department 

April  25th  1804.  — 
Sir, 

Two  Accounts  in  your  favor  having  been  settled 
at  the  Treasury,  one  amounting  to  $245.82,  being  for 
your  own  and  Clerk's  Salaries,  from  the  i^*  to  the  31^* 
day  of  October  1803,  and  one  amounting  to  $62.20, 
being  for  your  expenses  &  trouble  in  superintending 
the  road  from  Wheeling  to  Limestone,  in  the  year 
1796,  the  Treasurer  has  been  directed  to  remit  these 
sums  to  you  in  drafts  on  Elijah  Backus  late  Receiver 
of  public  monies  at  Marietta. 

As  it  is  pofsible  that  M""  Backus  may  have  paid 
over  the  monies  in  his  hands  to  his  Succefsor,  you 
will  please  in  that  case  to  apply  to  M"^  Tupper,  who 
is  directed  to  pay  the  Drafts. 

I  am,  very  respectfully 
Sir, 

Your  obed :  Serv* 
RuFus  Putnam  Esq*"         —  Albert  Gallatin 
late  Surveyor  General. 


INDEX 


References  to  correspondence  occupy  the  first  paragraph ;  letters  written  precede  those 
received ;  and  the  arrangement  is  chronological. 


Abercrombie,  Gen.  James,  attack 
on  Ticonderoga,  22-25. 

Acadians  on  the  Mississippi,  41. 

Albany,  N.  Y.,  military  importance, 
202. 

Ames,  Fisher,  to  Putnam,  1791, 
Indian  war,  protection  and  loy- 
alty, 250.  —  From  Putnam,  1790, 
loyalty  of  the  West,  234. 

Amherst,  Gen.  Jeffry,  reputation, 
26  ;  advance  on  Lake  Champlain, 
26. 

Armstrong,  John,  children  captured 
by  Indians,  123. 

Army,  Putnam's  plan  for  peace  es- 
tablishment, 198-215;  strategic 
points  and  their  control,  198-202  ; 
arsenal  and  school,  200  ;  frontier 
posts  and  communication,  202- 
204  ;  size  and  disposition,  204- 
206 ;  pay  and  subsistence,  206, 
207 ;  elimination  of  state  lines, 
207  ;  composition  and  regulation 
of  militia,  208-214;  arms,  214, 
215;  general  officers,  214.  See 
also  Indians,  Northwest  Terri- 
tory, Revolution. 

Ashley,  Major  Moses,  in  the  Rev  *^' 
lution,  96  n. ;  interested  in  ^^^^^ 
to  settle  on  the  Ohio,  225. 

Attorneys, necessary  legislaf'°"  °"' 
in  Northwest  Territory,  y     ' 

Austm, ,  160.  ,        ., 

Ayers,  Elizabeth.  Putnar^  ®  ^"^' 
marriage  and  death,  35.  ,    ,       . 

Ayers,  William,  Putnam's  ^^^'^er-m- 
law,  35. 

Backus,  Elijah,  rec'"  "^  P'^^^^^ 

moneys,  443.      vincennes    -Sn 
Baird,  Joseph,  at^,'""""^^',''^°- 
D       ■  i       e  lu    captam  m  the  Re- 
Bannister,  Seth,      '^ 


Barker,  Joseph,  383. 

Battelle,    Ebenezer,    at    Marietta, 

251. 
Beard,  William,  382. 
Beaver    Creek,    Ohio,    murder    of 

friendly  Indians  on,  254. 
Beaver  River,  Pa.,  post  at  mouth, 

288. 
Bedel,  Timothy,  colonel  in  the  Re- 
volution, 74. 
Belleville,  W.  Va.,  Indian  attack, 

232. 
Belpre,  Ohio,  settled,  109. 
Beman,   Thomas,   captain    in    the 

French  and  Indian  War,  33. 

Benson, ,  153. 

Big   Bottom,   Ohio,  Indian  attarV  - 

112,247,250. 

Biggs, ,  surveyor,  422.  <— 3- 

Blanchard, ,  plant?  ^='0"  o"  the 


Mississippi,  42. 


pa3anent   to,   for 


Bodwell,  Elij;.'--'  Pt.y^f."^  ^o,  toi 
blockho"-  -  ^'  Gallipohs,  384-386, 

Bontr--  ■'  ■;      '  192- 

g^ston,  siege,  54-58. 

Tijounty,  trouble  over  town,  to  sol- 
diers, 91,  143-146. 

Bradstreet,  Col.  John,  Abercrora- 
bie's  quartermaster-general,  23. 

Brant,  Joseph,  Iroquois  chief,  in 
Philadelphia,  303,  313,  315,  318. 

Brewer,  David,  colonel  in  the  Revo- 
lution, 54 ;  dismissed,  133. 

Brooks,  John,  lieutenant-colonel  in 
the  Revolution,  at  Freeman's 
Farm,  68  ;  on  committee  of  griev- 
ances, 93  ;  commands  a  regiment, 
94,  95,  97- 

Brown,  H.  Y.,  lieutenant  in  the 
French  and  Indian  War,  17. 

Brown,  Dr. ,  peace  messenger 

to  the  Indians,  262. 

Browning,  William,  husband  of  Abi- 
gail Putnam,  36  n. 


446 


INDEX 


Buckingham,  Ebenezer,  husband  of 

Catharine  Putnam,  36  n. 
BuUard,  Eleazar,  383. 
Burgoyne,    Gen.    John,    campaign, 

67-73- 
Burlingame,  Christopher,  husband 

of  Susanna  Putnam,  36  n. 
Burnet,  Jacob,  428. 
Burnham,  Major  John,  at  Gallipolis, 

no.  III. 
Burns,  educated  Indian,  incites  war, 

252. 
Burr,  Aaron,  colonel  in  the  Revolu- 
tion, 135,  136. 
Burrell,    educated    Indian,   incites 

war,  252. 
Butler,  Col.  John,   British   Indian 

agent,  318. 
Butler,    Zebulon,    colonel    in    the 

Revolution,  140. 

Camp,  John,  killed,  112,  247. 

Campbell,  WilUam,  major  in  the 
Revolution,  151. 

Campus  Martins,  105,  107. 

Canada,  futile  plan  to  invade,  in 
1778,  74,  75  ;  relation  of  the  West 
to,  236. 

Carpenter, ,  plantation  on  the 

Mississippi,  42. 

Champlain,  Lake,  Amherst's  cam- 
paign, 26;  plan  of  defence,  201. 

Chapin,  Gen.  Israel,  to  Knox,  1792, 
Iroquois  and  the  Indian  war, 
316. 

Chapman's  Station,  Ohio,  409. 

Charleston,  S.  C,  strategic  impor- 
tance, 199. 

Cherokee  Indians,  friendship  and 
subsidy,  261  ;  outcasts,  261,  292  ; 
chiefs  at  Philadelphia,  336. 

Chester,  Peter,  governor  of  Florida, 

Chickasaw  Indians,  friendship,  261 ; 
military  aid  from,  332. 

Chillicothe,  Ohio,  route  of  proposed 
road  to,  435. 

Chippewa  Indians,  reasons  for  join- 
ing the  hostiles,  280. 

Choat,  Francis,  Indians  capture, 
112,  248. 

Choat,  Isaac,  Indians  capture,  112, 
248. 

Choctaw  Indians,  friendship,  261. 

Cincinnati.  See  Washington  (Fort). 


Clark,  Joseph,  killed,  112,  247. 

Clark,  Theophilus,  ensign  in  the 
Revolution,  142. 

Clarksburg,  W.  Va.,  430. 

Cleghom,  John,  311,  312. 

Cleveland.     See  Cuyahoga  River. 

Clinton,  Gen.  George,  at  White 
Plains,  62. 

Clinton,  Sir  Henry,  reported  excite- 
ment of,  in  1781,  190,  191,  194. 
See  also  Revolution. 

Coburn,  Major  Asa,  at  Marietta, 
107. 

Coder,  Rene,  interpreter  at  Vin- 
cennes,  338 ;  on  the  Viviat  pur- 
chase, 378. 

Collerick, ,  printer,  441. 

Collings,  James,  lieutenant  in  the 
French  and  Indian  War,  11-13. 

Connecticut,  British  raid  in  1781, 
190-194. 

Conner,  Philip,  British  deserter, 
160. 

Constant,  J.  B.,  interpreter  at  Vin- 
cennes,  338. 

Cook,  Nicholas,  governor  of  Rhode 
Island,  58. 

Cool,  Hymen,  soldier  in  the  Revo- 
lution, 187. 

Couch,  James,  killed,  112,  247. 

Council  of  Massachusetts,  from  Put- 
nam, 17S0,  recruiting,  town  boun- 
ties, 142. 

Courts-martial,  necessary  legisla- 
tion on,  in  Northwest  Territory, 
310. 

Cow-boys  in  the  Revolution,  184, 
189. 

Craig,  Major  Isaac,  387,  390,  401, 

407- 

Creek  Indians,  friendship  and  sub- 
sidy, 261. 

CrotoiJ  River,  N.  Y.,  Putnam's  de- 
tachment duty  near,  in  1780,  86, 
147-178. 

Crown  Point,  N.  Y.,  French  aban- 
don, 26;  strategic  importance, 
200. 

Gushing,  Nathaniel,  at  Marietta, 
107  ;  cap\tain  in  the  Revolution, 
167,  169. 

Cutler,  Rev.  iManasseh,  contract 
with  Duer,  iic^,  m. 

Cuyahoga  Rivei',  Ohio,  strategic 
importance,    2(^3,    284-287,   289, 


INDEX 


447 


293-295 ;  objections   to  post  at, 
314.  Sis- 
Darby,  Samuel,  major  in  the  Revo- 
lution, 93. 

Davis,  Deacon ,  of  Boston,  89. 

Davis,  Eliza,  wife  of  Edwin  Putnam, 
36  n. 

Davis,  Jonas,  killed,  115. 

Davis,  William,  37. 

De  Lancey,  James,  Tory  comman- 
der, 158,  170,  185, 186. 

Delaware  Indians,  hostility  sus- 
pected, III,  233,  248,  251,  252, 
319;  speeches  sent  to,  269,  368; 
supposed  hostile  counsel,  280, 
281;  move  westward,  315.  See 
also  Indians. 

Denau,  Pierre,  messenger,  382. 

Despatches,  British,  to  be  inter- 
cepted, 188. 

Detroit,  strategic  importance,  202, 
294 ;  as  an  Indian  market,  408. 

Devol,  Gilbert,  station  in  Ohio,  409. 

Dexter,  Ichabod,  in  the  French  and 
Indian  War,  21. 

Donal  (Donnell,  Nathaniel?),  cap- 
tain in  the  Revolution,  87. 

Dorchester  Heights,  Mass.,  forti- 
fied, 56-58. 

Doyle,  Capt.  Thomas,  382. 

Duck  Creek,  Ohio,  settlement  on, 
no. 

Ducoigne,  John  Baptist,  Kaskaskia 
chief,  speeches  at  Vincennes 
council,  339,  341,  355'  359- 

Dudley,  Jonathan,  Putnam's  guar- 
dian, 9n. 

Duer,  William,  purchase  from  the 
Ohio  Company,  no,  in,  n6, 

Dumais,  interpreter,  374. 

Education  in  the  West,  244. 

Edward,  Fort,  N.  Y.,  in  1757,  ii- 
15;  plan,  15;  in  1777,  67. 

Edwards,  Thomas,  lieutenant  in  the 
Revolution,  93. 

Eel  River  Indians,  at  Vincennes 
council,  121,  335;  peace,  263, 
296 ;  speech  to,  333  ;  Wilkinson's 
expedition  against,  346.  See  also 
Wabash  Indians. 

Elliott  and  Williams,  383. 

Enos,  Capt.  Roger,  trip  to  Florida, 

37- 


Erie,  Pa.     See  Presqu'  Isle. 

Erie,  Lake,  communication  with  the 
Ohio  River,  203-206,  219,  220, 
243,  244,  284-290,  293-295  ;  posts 
on,  not  desired,  314. 

Ettwein,  John,  Moravian  bishop, 
418. 

Everett,  Peletiah,  ensign  in  the  Re- 
volution, 142. 

Falmouth,  Me.,  strategic  impor- 
tance, 199. 

Farewell,  Jonathan,  killed,  112,  247. 

Felty,  John,  382. 

Ferries,  necessary  legislation  for, 
in  Northwest  Territory,  310. 

First  Massachusetts  Brigade,  to 
Putnam,  1781,  to  present  griev- 
ances, 182. 

Fish  Carrier,  Iroquois  chief,  and 
the  Indian  War,  317. 

Five  Nations.     See  Iroquois. 

Fleury,  F.  L.  de,  lieutenant-colonel 
in  the  Revolution,  140. 

Florida,  expected  military  grant  in, 
36 ;  exploration,  36-50 ;  failure 
of  grant,  53. 

Foot, ,  captain  in   the  French 

and  Indian  War,  29. 

Foreigners,  necessary  legislation 
on,  in  Northwest  Territory,  309, 
310. 

Forsyth,  ,  commissary  in  the 

Revolution,  147. 

Foster,  Peregrine,  suggested  for 
judgeship,  412  n.;  resigns  regis- 
tership,  433. 

France,  in  the  American  Revolu- 
tion, 86,  189 ;  relation  with  the 
western    Indians,  342,   345,   347, 

348,  354,  358,  359- 

Freeman,  murdered,  301. 

Freeman's  Farm,  N.  Y.,  second 
battle,  67-73. 

French  and  Indian  War,  Putnam 
enlists,  11  ;  around  Fort  Edward 
in  1757,  n-13.  15;  capture  of 
Fort  William  Henry,  13-15;  de- 
sertion and  overland  winter  march 
of  Massachusetts  troops,  16-21  ; 
Abercrombie's  attack  on  Ticon- 
deroga,  22-25  '<  Putnam  enlists 
as  a  substitute,  25;  Amherst's 
advance  on  Lake  Champlain,  26; 
campaign  of  1760,  34. 


448 


INDEX 


Frye,  Joseph,  colonel  in  the  French 
and  Indian   War,  1 1 ;  captured, 

15- 

Fuller,  John,  lieutenant  m  the  Re- 
volution, 174. 

Fuller,  Jonathan,  grandfather  of 
Putnam,  9. 

Gage,  Gen.  Thomas,  in  the  French 
and  Indian  War,  23. 

Gallatin,  Albert,  secretary  of  the 
treasury,  to  Putnam,  1802,  road 
survey  and  routes,  431  ;  recom- 
mendation for  register,  433,  436 ; 
1803,  road  contract,  438  ;  removal 
from  office,  439;  1804,  account, 
440.  —  From  Putnam,  1802,  road 
survey  and  routes,  433  ;  1803, 
same,  437 ;  1804,  removal  from 
office,  account,  440. 

Gallipolis,  Ohio,  settlement,  no; 
population  in  1795,  123;  Putnam 
has  charge,  125;  payment  for 
defences  at,  384-386 ;  post-office, 
387,  389 ;  postmaster,  392  ;  sur- 
vey of  public  lands  ifor  French 
inhabitants,  409,  410. 

Gardner,  Benjamin,  captain  in  the 
Revolution,  142. 

Gates,  Capt.  Benjamin,  at  Free- 
man's Farm,  69. 

George,  Fort,  N.  Y.,  built,  25. 

Georgetown,  Pa.,  road  to  Gnaden- 
hutten,  435. 

Georgia,  strategic  importance,  199. 

Gilman,  Joseph,  territorial  judge, 
411,  412  n. 

Girty,  Simon,  on  war-path,  312. 

Glover,  Brig.-Gen.  John,  at  Free- 
man's Farm,  68  ;  on  committee 
of  grievances,  93. 

Gnadenhutten,  Ohio,  Christian  In- 
dian town,  418  ;  roads  to  George- 
town and  Zanesville,  435. 

Goodale,  Major  Nathan,  gallantry 
at  Freeman's  Farm,  69-73  ;  ar- 
rives at    Marietta,    107 ;    killed, 

"5- 
Goodale's  Station,  Ohio,  408. 

Goodrich,  naval  captain,  41. 

Graham,    George,   at   Prestonville, 

Ky.,  396,  404. 
Graham,  John,  at  Prestonville,  Ky., 

396,  404. 
Graves,   Admiral  Thomas,  arrival 


at  New  York,  174;  reported  de- 
parture for  Rhode  Island,  177. 

Gray,  Lieut.  Archibald,  Indian  at- 
tack  on,  253. 

Great  Britain,  accused  of  inciting 
the  Indians,  119,  275,  281,  285,294, 
342,  357,  377  ;  relations  with,  in 
1792,  314  ;  and  the  Indian  lands, 
342.  See  also  French  and  Indian 
War,  Revolution. 

Greaton,  Col.  John,  at  Freeman's 
Farm,  68 ;  leave  of  absence,  74, 
79  ;  on  grievance  committee,  93  ; 
rank,  94  ;  in  1780,  175;  presides 
over  brigade  meeting,  182  ;  com- 
mands foragers,  186. 

Greene, ,  contract  for  mail  car- 
riage, 413-415;  failure,  417. 

Greene,  Gen.  Nathanael,  at  White 
Plains,  63;  tour  in  1778,  79. 

§reenville,  Ohio,  416. 
ridley,    Richard,   colonel    in   the 
Revolution,  58. 
Griffin,  James,  British  deserter,  160. 
Grosvenor,  Thomas,  major  in  the 

Revolution,  77,  78. 
Guitteau,  Jerusha,  wife  of  W.  R. 
Putnam,  36  n. 

Habersham,  Joseph,  postmaster- 
general,  to  Putnam,  1796,  mail 
route,  413. —  From  Putnam,  1800, 
map,  new  road,  430. 

Hale, ,  lieutenant-colonel  in  the 

Revolution,  77,  78. 

Half-pay,  objections,  179. 

Hammond, ,  colonel  in  the  Re- 
volution, 136. 

Hamtramck,  Major  J.  F.,  command- 
ant at  Vincennes,  to  Putnam, 
1792,  preparation  for  Indian  coun- 
cil, 320,  327.  —  From  Putnam, 
1792,  Indian  council,  305  ;  Indian 
goods,  380. 

Favors  a  council,  120;  sends 
chiefs  to  Philadelphia,  121  ;  to 
pacify  the  Indians,  262 ;  agree- 
ment with  chiefs,  263,  276,  282, 
293.  303  ;  i^ot  suitable  as  peace 
commissioner,  323  ;  witnesses  the 
treaty,  366  ;  to  distribute  presents 
to  the  Indians,  371. 

Hardin, ,  rumored  preparation 

for  raid  on  the  Indians,  325. 

Hardin,  Col.  John,  peace  messenger 


INDEX 


449 


to  the  Indians,  killed,  119,  274, 
292,301^311,312. 

Harmar,  Col.  Josiah,  proprietor  in 
Oliio  Company,  107  ;  expedition 
against  the  Indians,  no,  113. 

Harmar,  Fort,  treaty,  loS,  249,  259. 

Haskel,  Capt.  Jonathan,  385. 

Hawks,  Fort,  Mass.,  20,  21. 

Hazen,  Moses,  colonel  in  the  Revo- 
lution, 74. 

Heath,  Gen.  William,  to  Putnam, 

1779,  reconnoissance  on  Ver- 
planck  Point,  80;  1780,  promo- 
tions, 149 ;  1781,  detachment 
duty,  87  ;  flour,  183  ;  supplies,  im- 
pressment, and  instructions,  183, 
184 ;  forage,  De  Lancey's  move- 
ments, 186 ;  supplies,  parley, 
rank,  187 ;  enemy's  despatches, 
188;  forage,  188;  cow-boys,  rein- 
forcement, 189;  safety  of  com- 
munication, 189;  raid  in  Con- 
necticut, 190,  192,  193;  reinforce- 
ment, 195  ;  officers  to  report,  195 ; 
reduction  of  force,  196;  enemy's 
movements,  197  ;  forage,  197. 

Hebecourt,  Francis  de,  postmaster 
at  Gallipolis,  392. 

Heckewelder,  Rev.  John,  Moravian 
missionary,  accompanies  Putnam 
to  the  Vincennes  council,  121,  264, 
268,  373 ;  attends  survey  of  lands, 
418. 

Henderson,  Edward,  wounded,  253. 

Hendrick,  Stockbridge  chief,  peace 
messenger  to  the  hostile  Indians, 
119,  262,  263,270,  274,  291,  299, 
302,  313,  316,  321,  331. 

Henry,  William,  to  attend  survey 
of  Moravian  lands,  418. 

Hoge,  David,  register  at  Steuben- 
ville,  Ohio,  433,  443. 

Holden,  John  (Levi),  lieutenant  in 
the  Revolution,  176. 

Horton, ,  major  in  the  Revo- 
lution, 170. 

Howe,  George,  Viscount,  affection 
of  soldiers  for,  23;  death,  23. 

Howe,    Gen.    Robert,    to    Putnam, 

1780,  detachment  duty  at  Croton 
River,  N.  Y.,  reinforcement,  sup- 
plies, 147;  movement  to  deceive 
the  enemy,   149 ;  works  at  Ver- 

l       planck  Point,  151  ;  intelligence  of 
the  enemy,  1 52  ;  defensive  opera- 


tions, impressment,  155;  con- 
tinuance of  the  detachment,  156, 
157  ;  expected  attack,  158  ;  meet- 
ing, 162  ;  retirement,  163  ;  scout 
on  enemy's  movements,  164, 165  ; 
enemy's  advance,  165 ;  ravages, 
168 ;  partisan  stroke,  clothing, 
171;  flag  of  truce,  173;  relief, 
excursion,  expected  attack,  176. 
—  From  Putnam,  1780,  position 
of  detachment,  148  ;  enemy's  po- 
sition, supplies,  150,  152;  scout- 
ing parties,  153;  impressment, 
157;  deserters,  159,  160;  reported 
victory  in  New  Jersey,  161  ;  re- 
tirement, 163 ;  advance  of  the 
enemy,  French  fleet,  166,  167  ; 
enemy's  position,  clothing,  170; 
clothing,  172,  173;  arrival  of 
Graves,  reduction  of  command, 
174;  retirement  of  the  enemy, 
176,  177. 
Movement  on  Verplanck  Point, 

83- 

Hudson  River,  strategic  impor- 
tance, 200. 

Hull,  William,  lieutenant-colonel  in 
the  Revolution,  176. 

Humble,  Robert,  British  prisoner, 
167. 

Hunt,  Thomas,  captain  in  the  Revo- 
lution, 195,  196. 

Huntington,  Jedediah,  general  in 
the  Revolution,  194. 

Hurlburt,  Benona,  killed,  114. 

Hutchins,  Thomas,  on  western  geo- 
graphy, 219,  283. 

Illinois  River,  post  on,  218. 

Impressment  of  provisions,  184. 

Indians,  prevent  surveys  in  1785, 
loi ;  Fort  Mcintosh  treaty,  102; 
negotiation  with  the  Penobscot, 
103 ;  Fort  Harmar  treaty,  108, 
249,  259;  raid  in  1789,  109;  Har- 
mar's  expedition  against,  1 10, 
113,  248;  militia  guard  of  the 
Ohio  Company,  in  1790,  no;  at- 
tacks on  the  Ohio  Company  set- 
tlements in  1791,  112,  114,  115, 
247,  253,  256;  Ohio  Company's 
militia  and  defensive  measures, 
113,  114,  252,  271,  272;  further 
losses  of  the  Ohio  Company,  1 15, 
123;  defeat   of   St.   Clair,    no; 


450 


INDEX 


cost  of  the  war  to  the  Ohio 
Company,  117,  118;  Putnam  in- 
structed to  attend  council  of  hos- 
tile, 119,  257-267;  speeches  sent 
to  the  hostile,  119,  268-271,  368- 
370 ;  attempt  to  attend  council 
fails,  119,  275,  277-279,  305;  at 
tack  near  Fort  Jefferson,  119, 
273-275.  278,  291,  292,  312;  sus 
picion  of  British  aid,  119,  275 
281,  285,  294,  342,  357,  377 
peace  messengers  and  their  fate, 
119,  262-264,  270,  274,  277,  291 
292,  296,  301,  303,  311,  313,  316, 
331,376;  council  with  the  Wa 
bash,  130;  tribes  present  at  the 
council,  121  ;  chiefs  visit  Phila- 
delphia, 121,  258,  265,  276,  318, 
336,  367,  372 ;  Putnam's  plan  of 
posts  to  control,  202-206,  217- 
220,  242-245,  283-291,  293-295, 
314,  315;  trade,  202,  217,  218, 
235,  240,  343.  349.  356.  357; 
attacks  in  1790,  232,  233;  fa- 
vorable disposition  toward,  of 
Ohio  Company,  245  ;  government 
measures  against,  248-250,  254- 
256;  dissatisfied  over  land  pur- 
chases, 249;  tribes  concerned  in 
the  war,  251,  252,  319,  340,  346; 
murder  of  friendly,  254;  govern- 
ment policy  as  to  lands,  258-260, 
265,  282,  313,  354,  364,  369,  373, 
377,  378 ;  reservations  in  Indian 
country,  258,  354,  355,  358  ;  de- 
mand for  peaceful  behaviour, 
260  ;  federal  government  to  be 
explained  to,  260 ;  promise  of 
protection,  260,  354,  364,  378; 
friendship  with  Iroquois  and 
southern,  261  ;  subsidies  to,  261  ; 
government  desire  for  peace,  261, 
262,  267,  313,  327,  331;  desire 
of  Wabash,  for  peace,  263  n.,  264, 
267,  296 ;  presents  for,  264-266, 
272,  3M.  322,  324.  362,  370,  371. 
374,  379-381  ;  prisoners  at  Fort 
Washington  released,  267,  273, 
298,  300,  304,  306,  316,  322,  333, 
337  ;  plan  to  attack,  on  the  San- 
dusky, 268 ;  advisability  of  and 
preparation  for  council  at  Vin- 
cennes  with  western  Indians, 
275-277,  279-282,  293,  297-309, 
313,  320-324,  233  >  fear  of  losmg 


their    lands,   280-282,   342,   343, 

345.  347.  349.  35 1.  35^;  termma- 
tion  of  the  hostile  council,  282  ; 
Iroquois  and  the  war,  282,  316- 
319,  331  ;  further  effort  to  reach 
the  hostile,  283,  288,  299,  302, 
313.  322,  3^6,  368-370,  373,  375, 
376 ;  St.  Clair's  wrong  tactics, 
295,  328 ;  war  to  continue,  296, 

299.  300,  302,  373.  375-377; 
speeches  with  the  Wabash  In- 
dians, 297-299,  307,  333,  334; 
hostile  council,  319;  blacksmiths 
and  schools  for  the  Iroquois, 
319;  desire  for  gifts,  319,  343, 
35°.  357  ;  necessity  of  high  civil 
agent  to  negotiate  with,  323 ;  re- 
port of  intended  private  raid  on, 
325;  return  of  slaves  held  by, 
326,  364,  365 ;  Wayne's  prepara- 
tions, 329,  332, 333  ;  depredations 
continue,  330 ;  uncertainty  of 
peace  or  war,  330-332  ;  aid  from 
the  Chickasaws,  332 ;  sale  of 
liquor  to,  at  Vincennes  council 
forbidden,  334;  journal  of  Vin- 
cennes council,  335-362, 366, 367  ; 
Ohio  River  desired  as  boundary 
with  the  whites,  343,  349,  350, 
354-356;  land  policy  of  the 
French,  342,  345.  347.  348  ;  Wil- 
kinson's expedition,  346 ;  sale  of 
lands  to  the  French,  354,  355, 
358-560;  signing  of  the  Vin- 
cennes treaty,  361,  362;  text  of 
the  treaty,  363-366 ;  proceedings 
forwarded  to  Knox,  371;  inter- 
pretation of  the  treaty,  377,  378  ; 
invalid  sale  to  Wabash  Land 
Company,  378 ;  cost  of  Vincennes 
council,  382,  383 ;  boundary  line 
under  Wayne's  treaty,  424,  425. 

IngersoU,  Joseph,  lieutenant-colo- 
nel in  the  French  and  Indian 
War,  26. 

Innes,  Judge  Harry,  slaves  of,  held 
by  Indians,  326. 

Iroquois  Indians,  subsidy,  261 ; 
chiefs  at  Philadelphia,  258,  318, 
336;  and  the  Indian  war,  282, 
316-319,  331  ;  schools  and  black- 
smiths for,  319. 

Isle-aux-Noix,  siege  in  1760,  34. 

Ives,  Col. ,  412  n. 

Ives,  Miss,  of  Salem,  411. 


INDEX 


451 


Jacko,  interpreter,  374. 

Jackson, ,  surveyor,  422. 

Jackson,  Henry,  colonel  in  the  Re- 
volution, 93. 

James,  Thomas,  Indian  trader  on 
the  Mississippi,  45. 

James,  William,  killed,  112,  247. 

Jeffers,  Capt.  John,  267. 

Jefferson,  Thomas,  Putnam's  opin- 
ion, 100,  125;  removes  Putnam, 
125,  126. 

Jefferson,  Fort,  Ohio,  Indian  attack 
near,  119,  273-275,  278,  291,  292, 
312. 

Judd,  William,  412. 

Kanawh.i  River,  Washington's  ad- 
vertisement of  lands  on,  227- 
232. 

Kaskaskia  Indians  at  Vincennes 
council,  121,  335. 

Kaweahatta,  Eel  River  chief,  307, 

309- 
Kelly,  James,  killed,  115. 
Kelly,    Joseph,    Indians     capture, 

"5- 

Kemper,  Jacob,  captain  in  the  Re- 
volution, 187. 

Kerr,  Matthew,  killed,  114. 

Kickapoo  Indians  at  Vincennes 
council,  121,  335. 

King,  Capt.  Zebulon,  killed,  109. 

Kirby,  Samuel,  382. 

Kiree,  ,  quartermaster   in   the 

Revolution,  88  n. 

Knapp,  Moses,  major  in  the  Revo- 
lution, 195. 

Knox,  Gen.  Henry,  secretary  of 
war,  to  Putnam,  1791,  govern- 
ment aid  against  Indians,  249 ; 
troops,  St.  Clair,  254,  255  ;  1792, 
brigadier  -  generalship,  instruc- 
tions for  attendance  at  Indian 
council,  257  ;  treaty  with  Wabash 
Indians,  frontier  defence,  313; 
1793,  interpretation  of  treaty,  377  ; 
resignation,  praise,  120.  —  From 
Gen.  Chapin,  1792,  the  Iroquois 
and  the  Indian  war,  316.  —  P'rom 
Putnam,  1791,  Indian  war,  251, 
253,  256  ;  1792,  brigadier-general- 
ship, 118;  speech  sent  to  the 
hostiles,  267 ;  Indian  council, 
frontier  defence,  280,  290,  292, 
295;  advisability  and  preparation 


for  Vincennes  council,  301,  308, 
321  ;  private  raid  on  Indians, 
325;  treaty,  illness,  continuation 
of  war,  371  ;  1793,  interpretation 
of  treaty,  378;  Viviat  purchase, 
378 ;  Indian  presents,  account, 
379  ;  resignation,  384 ;  payment 
for  defences  at  Gallipolis,  384. 
At  siege  of  Boston,  58. 

Knox,  P"ort.     See  Vincennes. 

Kosciuszko,  Thaddeus,  with  Gates's 
army,  73. 

Krouch,  Jean,  Weya  chief,  death, 
298.  304,  333- 

Lafayette,  Marquis  de,  and  the  plan 
to  invade  Canada,  74,  75. 

Lafayette,  Fort.  See  Verplanck 
Point. 

La  Loiras  plantation  on  the  Mis- 
sissippi, 40. 

Lancaster,  Ohio,  proposed  road 
through,  432..  434- 

Land.  See  Indians,  Northwest  Ter- 
ritory, Survey. 

Langdon,  Phoebe,  173. 

Larned,  Simon,  captain  in  the  Re- 
volution, 93. 

La  Vans,  Capt.  de,  169. 

Learned,  Ebenezer,  captain  in  the 
French  and  Indian  War,  1 1  ;  de- 
serts with  his  company,  16,  22 ; 
overland  winter  journey,  17-21  ; 
colonel  and  general  in  the  Re- 
volution,   22,    68;     refeigns,    94, 

133- 

Legislation,  necessary  in  North- 
west Territory,  309-311. 

Limestone,  Ky.,  station  on  mail 
route,  386;  postmaster,  390. 

Lincoln,  Gen.  Benjamin,  commis- 
sioner to  Penobscot  Indians,  103. 

Liquor,  sale  of,  to  Indians  during 
council  forbidden,  334. 

Loan  certificates,  value  of,  and  the 
western  lands,  224. 

Loramie's  store,  Ohio,  416. 

Loring,  Jotham,  colonel  in  the  Re- 
volution, 134,  136. 

Ludlow,  Israel,  surveyor,  422,  423. 

Lyman,  Gen.  Phineas,  in  the  French 
and  Indian  War,  24 ;  and  the 
land  grant  in  Florida,  36. 

Lyman,  Thaddeus,  trip  to  Florida, 
37' 


452 


INDEX 


McCulloch's  ferry  on  the  Muskin- 
gum, 419. 

McDougall,  Gen.  Alexander,  1780, 
memorial  to  Congress  on  pay, 
178.  —  To  Putnam,  1779,  detach- 
ment duty,  134;  1 78 1,  inspection 
of  Stony  Point,  88.  —  From  Put- 
nam, 1779,  detachment  duty,  135. 
At  White  Plains,  64;  com- 
mands West  Point,  75  ;  and  the 
movement  against  Verplanck 
Point,  81-85. 

Mcintosh's  plantation  on  the  Mis- 
sissippi, 42. 

Mcintosh,  Fort,  treaty  with  the  In- 
dians, 102. 

McKee,  Capt.,  British  Indian 
agent,  311. 

McKnight,  Mary,  Indians  capture, 

329- 

Mail  route  on  the  Ohio,  establish- 
ment, 386,  390,  391  ;  boats  and 
crews,  387,  388,  396,  397,  400- 
402  ;  postmaster  at  Marietta,  388  ; 
importance  of  station  at  Scioto 
River,  389,  391,  393,  397  ;  ineffi- 
ciency, 392,  393,  395,  398,  413- 
415 ;  suggested  improvements, 
393'  395-405;  importance,  394; 
pay  of  carriers,  401,  404;  land 
route  desired,  405  ;  Zane's  route, 
414-416;  renewed  failure,  417; 
land  route  along  the  river,  430. 

Maine,  Putnam's  survey,  100-103  ; 
settlement  of,  desired,  224  ;  valu- 
able for  timber  only,  245. 

Malliot,  interpreter,  374. 

Mansfield,  Jared,  appointed  sur- 
veyor-general, 126,  439;  enters 
on  duties,  440. 

Map,  Indians  misled  by,  258  ;  por- 
tion    of     Northwest     Territory, 

430- 

Marietta,  Ohio,  survey  and  de- 
fences, 104;  Campus  Martins, 
105  ;  post-office,  386  ;  postmas- 
ter, 388 ;  road  to  St.  Clairsville, 
431-434,  437-440,  442;  road  to 
Zanesville,  436.  See  also  Ohio 
Company. 

Marshall,  John,  error  on  battle  of 
Freeman's  Farm,  67,  68. 

Marshall,  Col.  Thomas  (.?),  398. 

Martin,  William,  surveyor,  410, 
422-424. 


Massac,  Fort,  importance,  202. 
Massachusetts,  soldiers'  grievances 

as   to   pay   and  clothing,  90-93, 

182  ;  town  bounties,  91,  143-146; 

opposition  to  the  settlement  of 

Northwest   Territory,    224,    225, 

245-247. 
Massisioga    Indians,  council   with 

the  Iroquois,  318. 
Mathews,  Daniel,  Putnam's  master, 

10. 
Mathews,  John,  surveyor,  107,  422  ; 

payment  for  Gallipolis  defences, 

384-386. 
Mayee,  J.   P.,  interpreter   at   Vin- 

cennes  council,  338,  374. 
Maysville,  Ky.     See  Limestone. 


Mechin, 


lieutenant    in    the 


Revolution,  130. 
Meeks,  Isaac,  killed  with  family, 

112,  247. 
Meigs,  Col.  R.  J.,  at  Marietta,  107. 
Meigs,    R.    J.,    Jr.,    postmaster    at 

Marietta,  388,  391 ;  to  pay  mail 

carriers,  401,  404;  recommended 

for  judgeship,  412  n. 
Meigs  Creek,  Ohio,  settlement  on, 

109. 
Mercer,  Gen.  Hugh,  in  New  Jersey, 

59- 
Miami  Indians,  hostile,  iii ;  speech 

sent  to,  368.    See  also  Indians. 

Michilimackinac,  Mich.,  military 
post,  202,  218. 

Mififlin,  Gen.  Thomas,  reconnois- 
sance  near  New  York,  60. 

Military  Adventurers,  meeting  on 
land  grant  in  Florida,  36 ;  ex- 
ploration, 36-50 ;  attitude  of 
Florida  government,  38,  51  ;  at- 
tempted emigration  and  failure 
of  grant,  53. 

Militia,  Putnam's  plan  for,  composi- 
tion and  control,  208-211  ;  train- 
ing and  pay,  211-213;  length  of 
service,  213;  liability  to  duty, 
213;  strength  and  activity  in 
Ohio  Company  in  1791,  113; 
guard  in  Northwest  Territory  in 
1795,  405-409;  rations,  406  ;  pay, 
407  ;  scouts  and  their  rendez- 
vous, 407-409. 

Miller, ,  colonel  in  the  French 

and  Indian  War,  29  ;  in  the  Revo- 
lution, service  in  1780,  147,  150, 


INDEX 


453 


154.  155.  157.  161,  163,  164,  173, 

175- 
Miller,  John,  Indian,  brings  news  of 

rising,  252. 
Mills,  Capt.  William,  at  Marietta, 

387.  391- 
Mingo  Indians,  supposed  hostility, 

251. 

Mississippi  River,  lower,  in  1773, 
39-50  ;  Putnam's  computation  of 
distances,  44 ;  importance  of  free 
navigation,  234,  237-239._ 

Missoutin  Indians  at  Vincennes 
council,  121. 

Mitchell,  George,  postmaster  at 
Limestone,  Ky.,  390,  395. 

Money,  depreciation  of  paper,  and 
soldiers'  pay,  91,  182. 

Monroe,  Col.  George,  at  Fort  Wil- 
liam Henry,  14. 

Montgomery,  Fort,  N.  Y.,  85,  140. 

Montreal,  capture  in  1760,  34. 

Moravian  lands,  survey,  418. 

Morgan, ,  at  Marietta,  232. 

Morse,  Capt.  Joseph,  at  Freeman's 
Farm,  69. 

Moulton,  George,  British  deserter, 

159- 
Muskingum  River,  Ohio,  posts  on, 

advised,  203,  290,  315.     See  also 

Marietta. 
Musquetan   Indians  at   Vincennes 

council,  335. 
Myrick, ,  183,  189. 

Nash, ,  41. 

New  London,  Conn.,  British  raid, 
191,  193. 

New  Orleans  as  a  market  for  the 
West,  234,  236-238. 

New  York.     See  Revolution. 

New  York  City,  fortifications,  59 ; 
evacuated,  60 ;  strategic  impor- 
tance, 199. 

Newbury,  Ohio,  109,  408. 

Newhall,  Ezra,  lieutenant-colonel  in 
the  Revolution,  96  n. 

Newport,  R.  I.,  Putnam  plans  for- 
tifications, 55,  58. 

Niagara,  Fort,  N.  Y.,  importance, 
202,  218. 

Nixon,  Gen.  John,  at  Freeman's 
Farm,  68, 69 ;  winter  quarters,  79 ; 
movement  on  Vcrplanck  Point, 
82-85 ;  resigns,  94. 


Northwest  Territory,  army  officers 
petition  for  land,  100,  215,  216; 
the  Indians  and  the  survey,  loi, 
232 ;  establishment  of  govern- 
ment, 107  ;  defence  and  communi- 
cation, 202-206,  218-220,  242-245, 
250,  283-291,  293-295,  314,315; 
conditions  of  settlement  desired 
by  army  officers,  221,  225  ;  protest 
against  large  individual  grants, 
222  ;  opposition  of  Massachusetts 
to  settlement,  224,  225,  245-247  ; 
delay  in  opening  for  settlement, 
226  ;  outlaws,  233  ;  navigability 
of  rivers,  283  ;  necessary  legisla- 
tion in  1792,  309-311;  militia 
guard  in  1795,  405-409 ;  character 
and  appointment  of  judges,  411, 
4x2  ;  squatters,  428-430.  See  also 
Indians,  Mail,  Ohio  Company, 
Roads,  Survey,  West. 

Nourse,  Joseph,  register,  comment 
on  removal  of  Putnam,  126. 

Nuisances,  necessary  legislation  on, 
in  Northwest  Territory,  310. 

Number  Four,  Fort,  Mass.,  34. 

Odell,  Jonathan,  153. 

O'Hara,  Col.  James,  3S8. 

Ohio  Company,  organization,  102; 
journey  of  first  settlers,  103,  104; 
survey  and  defences  of  Marietta, 
104  ;  first  planting,  105 ;  allotment 
of  land,  105-109  ;  settlers  in  1788, 
107;  immigrants  in  1789,  109; 
first  Indian  attack  in  1789,  109; 
new  settlements  in  1790,  109; 
settlement  contract  with  Duer, 
no,  III,  116;  French  settlers, 
no,  123;  defensive  measures, 
no;  immigration  in  1790,  no; 
severe  frost,  in  ;  Indian  attack 
in  1791,  112,  114,  115,  248-256; 
militia  in  1791,  113;  petition  to 
Congress  for  relief,  115-117  ;  In- 
dian war  expenses,  117,118;  pop- 
ulation in  1790,  122;  deserters, 
122;  additional  land  grant,  123; 
losses  during  Indian  war,  123; 
defensive  measures  in  1792,  271, 
272.  See  also  Indians,  Mail, 
Northwest  Territory,  Roads, 
Survey. 

Ohio  River,  communication  with 
Lake  Erie,  203-206,  219,  220,  243, 


454 


INDEX 


244,  284-290,  293-295,  314,315; 

mail  route  on,  386-405,  413-415, 

417. 
Oliver,  Col.  Robert,  interest  in  Ohio 

Company,  215,  225  ;  mill  on  Wolf 

Creek,  408. 
Ontario,  Lake,  communication  with, 

220. 
Oswego,  N.  Y.,  importance  of  post, 

202,  218. 
Ottawa    Indians,   speech  sent    to, 

269  ;  at  Vincennes  council,  345. 
Outlaws  on  the  frontier,  233. 

Page,  William,  captain  in  the 
French  and  Indian  War,  26,  32. 

Paijet,  Guillaume,  messenger,  382. 

Pantoosuck,  Fort,  Mass.,  22. 

Parsons,  Gen.  S.  H.,  director  of 
Ohio  Company,  arrives  at  Mari- 
etta, 106;  territorial  judge,  107. 

Paterson,  Gen.  John,  to  Putnam, 
1782,  question  of  resignation,  95. 
Movement  on  Verplanck  Point, 
83-85. 

Patten,  James,  Indians  capture  or 
kill,  112,  247  ;  pilot  on  the  Ohio, 
382. 

Pay  memorial  of  officers  in  the  Re- 
volution, 178-182. 

Penobscot,  Me.,  strategic  impor- 
tance, 199. 

Penobscot  Indians,  commission  to, 
103. 

Pensacola,  Fla.,  in  1773,  38. 

Pensions  for  officers'  widows  asked, 
180. 

Peoria  Indians  at  Vincennes  coun- 
cil, 121,  340. 

Perth  Amboy.     See  South  Amboy. 

Peters,  Capt.  William,  380,  382. 

Piankeshaw  Indians  at  Vincennes 
council,  121,  350. 

Pickering,  Timothy,  postmaster- 
general,  secretary  of  war  and  of 
state,  to  Putnam,  1794,  mail  route 
on  the  Ohio,  386,  387,  390,  391  ; 
1795,  same,  395,  404  ;  militia 
guard,  405 ;  1796,  surveyor-gen- 
eral, territorial  judges,  411  ;  1797, 
mail  route,  417  ;  survey  of  Mora- 
vian lands,  418  ;  1798,  X.  Y.  Z. 
mission,  426.  —  To  Col.  Sproat, 
1795,  militia  guard,  account,  406. 
—  From     Putnam,     1794,     mail 


route,  388,  392;  1795,  same, 
397.398;  1796,  surveyor-general, 
412. 

Pittsburg,  importance  of  post,  202  ; 
communication  with  Lake  Erie, 
203. 

Piatt,  Richard,  major  in  the  Revo- 
lution, 135;  treasurer  of  the  Ohio 
Company,  held  for  debt,  116. 

Point  au  Feu,  N.  Y.,  strategic  im- 
portance, 201. 

Pool,  Samuel,  lieutenant  in  the 
French  and  Indian  War,  22. 

Portland,  Me.     See  Falmouth. 

Postmaster-General.  See  Haber- 
sham, Pickering. 

Pottawatomie  Indians  at  Vincennes 
council,  121,  329,  335;  speech 
sent  to,  320. 

Presqu'  Isle,  strategic  importance, 
203,  285. 

Prestonville,  Ky.,  mail  station,  396. 

Prior,  Lieut.  Abner,  conducts  In- 
dians to  Philadelphia,  121  ;  at 
Vincennes,  338. 

Proctor,  Col.  Thomas,  peace  mes- 
senger to  Indians,  262. 

Putnam,  Abigail,  daughter  of  Ru- 
fus,  36  n. 

Putnam,  Ayres,  son  of  Rufus,  6 ; 
death,  35. 

Putnam,  Catherine,  daughter  of  Ru- 
fus, 36  n. 

Putnam,  Daniel,  son  of  Israel,  8  ; 
descendant,  8  ;    trip  to  Florida, 

37- 

Putnam,  Edwin,  son  of  Rufus,  6, 
36  n.  ;  descendants,  7  ;  recom- 
mended as  register,  436. 

Putnam,  Elizabeth,  daughter  of  Ru- 
fus, 36  n. 

Putnam,  Ezra,  killed,  112,  247. 

Putnam,  Franklin,  son  of  Rufus,  6, 
36  n. 

Putnam,  Gen.  Israel,  genealogy,  7, 
8;  at  Fort  Edward,  13;  general- 
ship, 13  ;  trip  to  Florida,  37  ;  at 
West  Point,  75. 

Putnam,  John,  emigrates  to  Amer- 
ica, 3  ;  descendants,  3-8. 

Putnam,  Martha,  daughter  of  Rufus, 
36  n. 

Putnam,  Persis,  daughter  of  Rufus, 
36  n. 

Putnam,  Rufus,  1783,  memorandum 


INDEX 


455 


on  a  peace   establishment,    198. 

—  To    ,   1791,    Indian    war, 

247.  —  To  citizens  of  Vincennes, 
1792,  sale  of  liquor  to  Indians, 
334.  —  For  correspondence  with 
Fisher  Ames,  Council  of  Massa- 
chusetts, Delaware  Indians,  Eel 
River  Indians,  First  Massachu- 
setts Brigade,  Gallatin,  Haber- 
sham, Hamtramck,  Heath,  Robert 
Howe,  Knox,  McDougall,  Pater- 
son,  Pickering,  Sargent,  Sproat, 
Joseph  Thompson,  Charles 
Thomson,  Wabash  Indians, 
Washington,  Wayne,  Waterbury, 
Wea  Indians,  Wells,  Wilkinson, 
Wolcott,  see  these  names. 

Genealogy,  3-8  ;  parents,  9  ; 
birth  and  early  years,  9,  10 ;  guar- 
dian, 9  n. ;  lack  of  education,  10  ; 
apprenticeship,  10 ;  enlists  in  1757, 
II  ;  religious  views,  11,  22,  25,  31, 
35,  124;  at  Fort  Edward,  11-16; 
scout,  11-13;  deserts,  16,  17; 
overland  winter  journey,  17-21  ; 
enlists  in  1758,  22;  in  Abercrom- 
bie's  attack  on  Ticonderoga,  22- 
25  ;  enlists  in  1759  as  a  substitute, 
25,  25  n. ;  with  Amherst,  26 ;  has 
charge  of  a  sawmill,  27,  28,  34 ; 
not  paid  for  extra  services,  28,  31  ; 
adventure  on  Lake  George,  29, 
30;  abjures  soldiering,  31,  35; 
settles  in  New  Braintree,  32  ;  re- 
cruits a  company  in  1760,  32 ; 
commissioned  ensign,  33  ;  in  cam- 
paign of  1760,  33,  34;  and  Major 
Skean,  34;  millwright,  35;  stud- 
ies surveying  and  navigation,  35; 
first  marriage,  35 ;  death  of  wife 
and  son,  35 ;  second  marriage, 
36  ;  children,  36  n  .;  interested  in 
Florida  land  grant,  36  ;  journey 
to  Florida  and  on  the  Mississippi, 
36-53  ;  estimate  of  distances  on 
the  Mississippi,  44. 

In  the  Revolution :  commis- 
sioned lieutenant-colonel,  54; 
plans  fortifications  before  Boston, 
54,  55  ;  and  at  Newport,  55,  58  ; 
recommissioned  lieutenant-colo- 
nel, 56;  devises  plan  to  fortify 
Dorchester  Heights,  56-58  ;  or- 
dered to  New  York,  58,  129  ;  lays 
out  defences  of  New  York  City, 


59 ;  appointed  engineer,  59 ;  re- 
connoissance  report  causes  aban- 
donment of  New  York  City,  60  ; 
plan  for  corps  of  engineers,  60, 
61  ;  reconnoissance  before  battle 
of  White  Plains,  61-64  ;  examina- 
tion of  the  country  in  rear  of  the 
army  in  New  York,  65,  129;  colo- 
nel of  a  Massachusetts  regiment, 
66 ;  recruits  his  regiment,  67 ; 
campaign  against  Burgoyne,  67  ; 
second  battle  of  Freeman's  Farm, 
67-69  ;  and  Kosciuszko,  75  ;  win- 
ter quarters  at  Albany  in  1777, 
73  ;  superintends  West  Point  for- 
tifications, 73-75;  in  temporary 
command  of  the  brigade,  74,  79 ; 
preparation  for  invasion  of  Can- 
ada, 74,  75  ;  posted  in  Connecti- 
cut in  1778,  76;  reconnoitres 
routes  in  Connecticut,  76-79  ;  re- 
connoissance for  cantonments, 
79;  winter  quarters  in  1778,  79; 
special  duty  at  Croton  River  in 
1779.  79.  134-137  ;  leave  of  ab- 
sence, 79,  86,  94  ;  reconnoissance 
on  Verplanck  Point  in  1779,  80- 
83,  137-140;  commands  regiment 
of  light  infantry  under  Wayne, 
85  ;  erects  battery  on  site  of  Fort 
Montgomery,  85,  140;  tour  to 
South  Amboy,  85, 141,  142  ;  com- 
mands detachment  at  Croton 
River  in  1780,86,  147-178;  de- 
tachment duty  in  1781  before 
New  York  City,  87,  183-198; 
selects  winter  quarters,  87  ;  ex- 
amines works  at  Stony  and  Ver- 
planck Points,  88  ;  appointed  on 
grievance  committees,  89,  93 ; 
efforts  to  prevent  mutiny,  89 ;  so- 
licits relief  for  the  soldiers  and 
prisoners  from  Massachusetts 
government,  89,  142-147  ;  on  for- 
age commission,  93  ;  promotion 
or  resignation,  94-98  ;  brigadier- 
general,  99 ;  furlough  and  dis- 
charge, 99 ;  evidences  of  Wash- 
ington's friendship,  99 ;  question 
of  rank,  130-134. 

///  the  West :  territorial  judge, 
99;  surveys  in  Maine,  100-103; 
appointed  surveyor  of  western 
lands,  100,  232 ;  sends  substi- 
tute, loi,  102  ;  joins  Ohio  Com- 


456 


INDEX 


pany,  102 ;  commissioner  to 
Penobscot  Indians,  103 ;  serves 
against  Shays,  103  ;  justice  of  tlie 
peace,  103;  representative,  103; 
appointed  superintendent  of  Oiiio 
Company's  settlement,  103  ;  win- 
ter journey  to  the  Ohio,  103,  104; 
surveys  and  lays  out  defences  at 
Marietta,  104,  105  ;  and  the  land 
allotment,  106;  contract  with 
Duer,  no,  in,  116;  takes  his 
family  to  Marietta,  in  ;  activity 
for  new  settlements,  in  n. ;  ap- 
pointed brigadier-general,  118, 
257  ;  instructed  to  attend  hostile 
Indian  council,  119,  257-267  ; 
sends  speech  to  hostile  Indians, 

119,  268-271;  attempt  to  attend 
council  fails;  119,  273-275,  278, 
291,  292,  312  ;  invites  western 
tribes   to  council  at   Vincennes, 

120,  298,  307,  308;  council  with 
the  Indians   at  Vincennes,   120, 

121,  335-367,  370-374,  377-383; 
resigns  military  office,  120-122, 
384;  illness  at  Vincennes,  121, 
372  ;  surveys  lands  for  French  at 
Gallipolis,  123,  125,  410  ;  ap- 
pointed superintendent  of  surveys 
by  Ohio  Company,  124;  interest 
in  establishing  a  mail  route  on 
the  Ohio,  124,  386-405,  413-418  ; 
consulted  by  cabinet  officers,  125  ; 
superintends  laying-out  of  Zane's 
road,  125,  419,  420;  surveyor- 
general,  125,  411-413;  removed 
from  office,  125,  126,  439-441  ; 
opinion  of  Jefferson,  125,  126; 
plan  for  western  defences,  202- 
206,  217-220,  242-245,  283-291, 
293-295,  314,  315 ;  on  western  loy- 
alty, 234-247  ;  remuneration  for 
attending  Indian  council,  266 ; 
advisability  of  and  preparation 
for  Vincennes  council,  275-277, 
279-282,  293,  297-309,  313,  320- 
3-4,  333 ;  further  effort  to  reach 
hostile  council,  283,  299,  302,  322, 
366,  368-370,  373,  375,  376;  plan 
for  militia  guard  in  1 795,  405-409 ; 
recommends  men  for  judgeship, 
411,  412  n. ;  to  survey  Moravian 
lands,  418  ;  question  of  clerk  hir- 
ing, 420-422,  425;  plans  for  sur- 
veys in  1798,  424;  asked  to  dis- 


tribute X.  Y.  Z.  mission  docu- 
ments, 426,  427  ;  superintendence 
and  advice  on  road-building,  431- 
439,  442 ;  asked  to  recommend 
man  for  registership,  433,  436 ; 
account  as  surveyor-general,  441- 

443- 

Putnam,  Susanna  (Fuller),  mother 
of  Rufus,  9. 

Putnam,  Susanna,  daughter  of  Ru- 
fus, 36  n. 

Putnam,  William  Rufus,  son  of 
Rufus,  6,  36  n. ;  descendants,  7  ; 
clerkship,  420. 

Putnam,  Fort,  at  West  Point,  75. 

Rations  of  officers  in  the  Revolu- 
tion, 181. 

Recovery,  Fort,  Ohio,  424. 

Reed,  Joseph,  adjutant-general  in 
the  Revolution,  61. 

Register  of  land  office,  recommen- 
dation for,  433,  436. 

Revolution,  beginning,  54;  siege  of 
Boston,  54-58 ;  New  York  cam- 
paign of  1776,  59-65,  129;  corps 
of  engineers,  60,  66 ;  battle  of 
White  Plains,  61-65;  Burgoyne's 
campaign,  67-73  >  defences  at 
West  Point,  73-75 ;  plan  to  in- 
vade Canada  in  1778,  74,  75; 
movements  in  New  York  in  1778, 
76-79  ;  movement  on  Verplanck 
Point  in  1779,  79-S5,  137-140; 
battery  at  Fort  Montgomery 
in  1779,  85,  140;  reconnoissance 
from  South  Amboy,  85,  141 ; 
affairs   around   Croton  River  in 

1780,  86,  147-178;  junction  of 
French  and  American  armies,  86; 
march  to  Virginia,  86 ;  affairs  in 
New      York,      August-October, 

1781,  87,  88,  183-198  ;  grievances 
and  claims  of  the  officers,  89,  178- 
182;  threatened  mutiny  in  Massa- 
chusetts line,  89 ;  relief  of  pris- 
oners, 89,  146;  grievances  of  the 
Massachusetts  line  as  to  pay, 
clothing,  and  bounty,  89-93,  '43- 
146,  182;  pay  for  forage,  93; 
dissatisfaction  over  rank  and  pro- 
motion, 94-99,  130-134;  officers 
petition  for  land  north  of  the 
Ohio,  100 ;  affairs  at  Croton 
River,  February,  1779,  134-137  ; 


INDEX 


457 


impressment  of  cattle,  155-157, 
184;  rumor  of  British  defeat  in 
New  Jersey  in  1780,  161  ;  lack  of 
clothing,  170-173;  Graves's  fleet, 
174,  177  ;  rumor  of  British  ex- 
pedition to  Rhode  Island,  175; 
French  fleet,  189;  reported  ex- 
citement of  Clinton,  in  Septem- 
ber, 1 78 1,  190;  British  raid  in 
Connecticut,  190-194. 

Rhode  Island,  reported  British  ex- 
pedition to,  175,  177. 

Rice,  Persis,  Putnam's  wife,  36. 

Rice,  Judge  Thomas,  commissioner 
to  the  I'enobscot  Indians,  103. 

Rice,  Zebulon,  Putnam's  father-in- 
law,  36. 

Richards,  William,  captain  in  the 
Revolution,  189. 

Ritlium, ,  captain  in  the  Revo- 
lution, 87. 

Rivers,  navigability  of  western,  283. 

Roads,  Zane's,  125,  414-416,  419, 
420 ;  importance  and  route,  be- 
tween Lake  Erie  and  the  Ohio, 
283-289 ;  from  Belpre  to  Ports- 
mouth, 430 ;  between  Marietta 
and  St.  Clairsville,  431-434,  437- 
440,  442  ;  proposed,  through  Lan- 
caster, 432,  434;  cost,  431,  432, 
438,  442 ;  routes  to  the  Scioto, 
434>  435  i  existing,  in  Ohio  in 
1802,  435,  436. 

Robertson,  Col.  James,  Amherst's 
quartermaster-general,  28. 

Rochambeau,  Count  de,  makes 
junction  with  American  army,  86. 

Rogers,  Capt.  Joseph,  in  Ohio,  112  ; 
killed,  114,  253. 

Rosecrantz, ,  mission  to  the  Iro- 
quois, 331. 

Rosolen,  P'ort,  on  the  Mississippi, 

43- 

Ruggles,  Timothy,  colonel  in  the 
French  and  Indian  War,  22. 

Sacket,  Richard  (J.  M.),  captain  in 
the  Revolution,  87,  169,  173,  175. 

Sadler,  Capt.  John,  Putnam  lives 
with,  9,  10. 

St.  Clair,  Gen.  Arthur,  governor  of 
Northwest  Territory,  107,  233, 
405,  427 ;  arrives  at  Marietta, 
107;  Fort  Harmar  treaty,  108, 
249,  259;     defeat,  116;  to  com- 


mand against  the  Indians,  254 ; 
wrong  tactics,  295,  328. 

St.  Clairsville,  Ohio,  road  to  Mari- 
etta, 431-434.  437-440,  442. 

Salem,  Ohio,  Christian  Indian  town, 
418. 

Sanburn,  Enoch,  of  Machias,  Me., 

lOI. 

Sandusky  River,  Ohio,  plan  to  at- 
tack Indians  on,  268. 

Sargent,  Winthrop,  secretary  of 
Northwest  Territory,  to  Putnam 
and  Symmes,  1792,  necessary 
legislation,  309. 

Leaves  for  Marietta,  249. 

Satwell  (Sartwell),  Simon,  captain 
in  the  Revolution,  173. 

Sawyer's  Station,  Ohio,  408. 

Schoenbrun,  Ohio,  Christian  In- 
dian town,  4;8. 

Scioto  River,  Ohio,  strategic  impor- 
tance of  mouth,  389, 391,  394,  397. 

Scull, ,  postmaster  at  Pittsburg, 

392- 

Secretary  of  State.  See  Pickermg. 

Secretary  of  the  Treasury.  See  Gal- 
latin, Wolcott. 

Secretary  of  War.  See  Knox,  Pick- 
ering. 

Seeley, ,  colonel  in  the  Revolu- 
tion, 142. 

Seven  Castles,  Indians  in  Canada, 
263,  277. 

Shaw,  Thomas,  Indians  capture, 
112. 

Shawnee  Indians,  hostility,  in,  233, 
313,  319 ;  expedition  against,  248  ; 
land  treaty  with,  259;  speeches 
sent  to,  269,  36S  ;  supposed  hostile 
advice,  280,  281.  See  also  Indians. 

Shays's  Rebellion,  103. 

Shearwood,  Justice,  153. 

Sheldon,  Elisha,  colonel  in  the  Re- 
volution, 87,  164,  168,  169,  193, 
195. 

Shepard,  William,  colonel  in  the 
Revolution,  resigns,  95,  98  ;  rank, 

133- 
Sherman,  Abel,  killed,  115. 

Sherman,    Isaac,  lieutenant-colonel 

in  the  Revolution,  133. 

Sherman's  Station,  Ohio,  408. 

Simonds,  Joseph,  wounded,  ii5- 

Six  Nations.    See  Iroquois. 

Skean,  Major  Philip,  and  the  pro- 


458 


INDEX 


vincials,  i6,  17  ;  and  Putnam,  27, 

34- 

Slaves,  return  of  those  taken  by 
Indians,  326,  364,  365. 

Smith,  Lieut.-Col.  Calvin,  at  Ver- 
planck  Point,  83,  139;  absent  on 
leave,  95  ;  at  Croton  River,  136. 

Smith,  Major  John,  commandant 
of  Fort  Jefferson,  278,  318. 

Snake,  Capt.,  Munsee  chief,  268. 

South  Amboy,  N.  J.,  reconnois- 
sance  from,  85,  141. 

Spain  and  the  Indian  lands,  342. 

Sproat,  Col.  Ebenezer,  from  Picker- 
ing, 1795,  militia  guard,  account, 
406;  from  Putnam,  1795,  militia 
guard,  407. 

Conducts  a  party  to  the  Ohio, 
103 ;  surveyor  for  Ohio  Com- 
pany, 107  ;  commands  militia, 
113  ;  in  the  Revolution,  158. 

Stacy,  John,  killed,  112,  247. 

Stacy,  Philip,  Indians  capture,  112; 
death,  123. 

Stacy,  William,  killed,  247. 

Stanwix,  Fort,  N.  Y.,  importance, 
202. 

Stevens,  ,  captain  in  the  Re- 
volution, 177. 

Stevens, ,  commissar)',  192. 

Stevens,  Col.  Ebenezer,  at  Free- 
man's Farm,  69. 

Stirling,  Lord,  at  White  Plains,  62. 

Stony  Point,  N.  Y.,  capture,  82,  83  ; 
strategic  importance,  200.  See 
also  Verplanck  Point. 

Story,  Rev.  Daniel,  at  Marietta, 
109,  254. 

Strong  (?), ,  major  in  the  Re- 
volution, 149. 

Sumner,  Major  Job,  command  on 
Lake  Cham  plain,  72. 

Survey,  surveyor-general,  99,  100, 
125,  126,  411,  412,  439-441;  in 
Maine,  100,  loi  ;  of  western  lands 
prevented,  100-102;  of  Marietta, 
104;  of  Ohio  Company  lands, 
106,  124;  of  lands  for  French- 
men at  Gallipolis,  123,  409,  410; 
cost,  410,  438,  439;  of  Zane's 
lands,  125,  419;  of  Moravian 
lands,  418 ;  clerk  for  surveyor- 
general,  420-422,  425  ;  of  the  mil- 
itary tract,  422-425 ;  of  other 
public  lands  in  1798,  424  ;  map  of 


portion  of  Northwest  Territory, 
430 ;  of  road  between  Marietta 
and  St.  Clairsville,  431-434,  437. 

Swan,  Major  Caleb,  376. 

Symmes,  J.  C,  territorial  judge, 
107,  233. 

Tallmadge,  Benjamin  (?),  major  in 
the  Revolution,  189,  194,  196. 

Thomas,  Ephraim,  soldier  in  the 
Revolution,  187. 

Thompson,  Col.  Joseph,  to  Putnam, 
1780,  relief  of  prisoners,  146. 

Thomson,  Charles,  secretary  of 
Congress,  to  Putnam,  1785,  sur- 
veyor of  western  lands,  232. 

Ticonderoga,  Fort,  N.  Y.,  Aber- 
crombie's  attack,  22-25  !  French 
evacuate,  26. 

Tilghman,  Tench,  colonel  in  the 
Revolution,  82. 

Tillinghast,  Lieut.  John,  385. 

Tobacco,  Indian  chief,  358. 

Trade,  illicit,  in  Vermont,  201  ;  In- 
dian, 202,  217,  218,  235,  240; 
western,  234-241,  246 ;  Indian 
desire  for  traders,  343,  349,  356, 

357- 

Treaty,  Fort  Mcintosh,  102,  258  ; 
Fort  Harmar,  108,  249,  258,  259 ; 
Vincennes,  120,  335-366,  371, 
377.  378  ;  land,  with  the  Shaw- 
nees,  258,  259;  Wayne's,  425. 

Trescott,  Lemuel,  major  in  the  Re- 
volution, 187. 

Troop,  Zebulon,  killed,  112,  247. 

Trotter,  John  (.?),  major  in  the  Re- 
volution, 136. 

Trueman,  Capt.  Alexander,  peace 
messenger  to  the  Indians,  killed, 
119,  263,  270,  274,  292,  296,  301, 

3"-3i3- 

Tupper,  Major  Anselm,  surveyor 
of  western  lands,  loi,  102 ;  at 
Marietta,  107. 

Tupper,  Gen.  Benjamin,  interested 
in  settlement  of  the  West,  102, 
225  ;  arrives  at  Marietta,  107. 

Tupper,  Benjamin,  husband  of  Mar- 
tha Putnam,  36  n. ;  receiver  of 
public  moneys,  443. 

Turner,   George,    territorial  judge, 

233- 
Tweetwee  Indians,  speech  sent  to, 
269. 


INDEX 


459 


Urqurhart,  George,  plantation  on 
the  Mississippi,  42. 

Vanderburgh,  Major  Henry,  at 
Vincennes,  380,  383. 

Varnum,  J.  M.,  director  of  Ohio 
Company,  arrives  at  Marietta, 
106;  territorial  judge,  107. 

Vermont,  control,  201. 

Verplanck  Point,  N.  Y.,  captured 
by  British,  79 ;  reconnoissance 
on,  in  1779,80,  137-140;  move- 
ment on,  81-85. 

Vigo,  Francis,  274. 

Vincennes,  Ind.,  Indian  treaty  at, 
120;  importance  of  post  at,  202  ; 
agreement  for  peace  at,  263  n., 
264,  267  ;  advisability  of,  and 
preparation  for  council  at,  276, 
279-282,  293,  297-309,  313,  320- 
324,  333 ;  sale  of  liquor  to  Indians 
at  council  forbidden,  334  ;  journal 
of  council,  335-362 ;  sale  of  site 
by  Indians,  354,  358  ;  treaty,  363- 

366,  371,  377,  378;  expense  of 
council,  382,  383. 

Vincent,  Hannah,  173. 

Viviat,  Louis,  land  purchase,  378. 

Wabash  Indians,  council  with,  120; 
chiefs   go  to    Philadelphia,    I2i, 

367,  372  ;  make  peace,  263  n.,  264, 
267,  296 ;  presents,  264,  362,  370, 
371  ;  prisoners  at  Fort  Washing- 
ton, 267,  273,  298,  300,  304,  322, 
333  ;  advisability  of,  and  prepa- 
ration for  council  with,  276,  279- 
282,  293,  297-309,  313,  320-324, 
333;  lands  of,  not  desired,  313  ; 
speech  sent  to,  307,  308 ;  neces- 
sity of  a  high  civil  agent  as  nego- 
tiator with,  323 ;  journal  of  ne- 
gotiation with,  335-362 ;  fear  of 
losing  lands,  342,  343,  345,  347, 
349,  351,356;  desire  for  traders, 
343.  349.  356.  357  ;  lands  sold  to 
the  French,  354,  358;  text  of 
treaty,  363-366 ;  lands  guaranteed 
to,  364 ;  final  speech  to,  366,  367  ; 
to  carry  speech  to  hostiles,  366, 
370  ;  interpretation  of  treaty,  377, 
378 ;  Viviat  land  purchase,  378  ; 
cost  of  council,  382,  383.  See 
also  Indians. 

Wabash  Land  Company,  purchase, 
378. 


Walker,  Sylvanus,  lieutenant  in 
French  and  Indian  War,  17. 

Washington,  George,  1784,  adver- 
tisement of  his  western  lands, 
228. — To  Congress,  1776,  prepa- 
rations at  New  York,  59 ;  corps  of 
engineers,  61,66. — To  Putnam, 
1776,  ordered  to  New  York,  129; 
engineer,  59 ;  obstructions,  65  ; 
regimental  command,  66 ;  1778, 
rank,  130;  reconnoissance,  76; 
1779,  pass,  80;  1782,  resignation 
or  promotion,  96  ;  1784,  western 
settlement,  226.  —  From  Putnam, 
1776,  reconnoissance,  129;  1778, 
rank,  131  ;  reconnoissance,  77  ; 
1779,  reconnoissance  on  Ver- 
planck Point,  137  ;  detachment 
report,  140;  1782,  promotion,  97  ; 
1783,  Major  Nathan  Goodale,  69; 
settlement  and  protection  of  the 
West,  216;  1784,  same,  223  ;  1790, 
Indian  attacks,  outlaws,  232. 

Before  Boston,  alternative 
plans,  56;  before  the  battle  of 
White  Plains,  63 ;  movement 
against  Verplanck  Point,  81-85; 
evidences  of  friendship  for  Put- 
nam, 99,  100. 

Washington,    Fort,    mail     station, 
386.     See  also  Wilkinson. 

Washington,  Ky.,  mail  station,  396. 

Waterbury,  Gen.  David,  to  Putnam, 
1781,  winter  quarters,  87. 

Waterford,  Ohio,  settled,  109;  In- 
dian attack,  112,  114;  defensive 
measures,  272. 

Waterman,  Sherman,  killed,  115. 

Wayne,  Gen.  Anthony,  to  Putnam, 
1779,  reconnoissance,  141  ;  1792, 
murder  of  peace  messengers,  311. 

—  To  Wilkinson,  1792,  peace  or 
war,  preparations,  330.  —  From 
Putnam,  1792,  disposition  of 
troops,  271  ;  attack  near  Fort 
Jefferson,  291 ;  illness,  war  to  con- 
tinue, 375;  1793,  same,  375. 

Attack  on  Stony  Point,  82 ; 
commands  light  infantry  corps, 
85 ;  in  command  in  the  West,  266, 
269 ;  treaty,  425. 
Wea  Indians,  to  Putnam,  1792, 
speech  at  Fort  Washington,  297. 

—  From  Putnam,  1792,  speech  at 
Fort  Washington,  298 ;  and  at 
Vincennes,  233- 


460 


INDEX 


At  Vincennes  council,  121,  335; 
peace,  263,  296;  chief  at  Fort 
Washington,  275.  See  also 
Wabash  Indians. 

Weaughtenon  Indians  at  Vincennes 
council,  121,  335. 

Webb,  Charles,  colonel  in  the  Re- 
volution, 133. 

Webb,  Gen.  Daniel,  at  Fort  Ed- 
ward, 14;  reputation,  15. 

Weisenfels,  Frederick,  lieutenant- 
colonel  in  the  Revolution,  195, 
196. 

Wells,  William,  from  Putnam,  1792, 
instructions  as  peace  messenger, 

37°- 

Indian  interpreter,  296,  338 ; 
on  the  Viviat  purchase,  371  ;  mur- 
der of,  feared,  376;  wages,  381. 

West,  the,  defence,  202-206,  218- 
220,  242-245,  250,  2S3-291,  293- 
295,  314,  315;  Washington's  ad- 
vertisement of  his  lands,  227-232 ; 
commercial  interests  and  loyalty, 
234-239  ;  value  of,  to  the  Union, 
239-242  ;  education,  244.  See  also 
Northwest  Territory. 

West  Point,  fortifications,  73-75  ;  as 
site  for  arsenal  and  military 
school,  200. 

Whitcomb,  Joseph,  captain  in  the 
French  and  Indian  War,  22. 

White,  Major  Hatfield,  conducts 
party  to  the  Ohio,  103. 

White  Plains,  N.  Y.,  Putnam's 
scout  before  the  battle,  61-64 ; 
battle,  64. 

Wigglesworth,  Edward,  colonel  in 
the  Revolution,  133. 

Wilderness  Road,  mail  route  dis- 
continued, 386,  413. 

Wilkinson,  Gen.  James,  to  Putnam, 
1792,  preparation  for  Vincennes 
council,  278,  300 ;  convoy,  cap- 
tured slaves,  326;  exploration, 
Wayne's  preparations,  Indian 
raid,  328.  —  From  Putnam,  1792, 
preparation  for  Indian  councils, 
272,  299,304,  324;  Indian  goods, 


370.  —  From  Wayne,  1792,  peace 
or  war,  preparations,  330. 

Commandant  at  Fort  Wash- 
ington, peace  messenger,  262 ; 
brings  news  of  attack  near  Fort 
Jefferson,  273 ;  attack  on  Eel 
River  Indians,  346. 

Willard,  Aaron,  captain  in  the 
French  and  Indian  War,  26. 

Willard,  Abijah,  colonel  in  the 
French  and  Indian  War,  33. 

William  Henry,  Fort,  N.  Y.,  cap- 
ture, 13,  14- 

Williams, ,  captain  in  the  Re- 
volution, 173,  175. 

Wolcott,  Oliver,  secretary  of  the 
treasury,  to  Putnam,  1798,  clerk 
for  surveyor-general,  surveys, 
425 ;  squatters,  428.  —  From  Put- 
nam, 1796,  surveys,  409;  1797, 
Zane's  lands  and  road,  419 ;  1798, 
clerk  for  surveyor-general,  sur- 
veys, 420;  surveys,  423;  squat- 
ters, 429. 

Wolf  Creek.   See  Waterford. 

Woodbridge,  Dudley,  recommended 
for  judgeship,  412  n. 

Woods,  Joseph,  register  of  land  of- 
fice, 436. 

Worm  (Wurmb),  Hessian  com- 
mander, 185,  186. 

Worth,  Robert,  killed,  115. 

Wyandotte  Indians,  hostility  sus- 
pected, III,  233,  248,  252  ;  treaty 
with,  258;  speeches  sent  to,  269, 
368 ;  supposed  hostile  counsel, 
280,  281  ;  move  westward,  315. 
See  also  Indians. 

Wyllis,  Samuel,  colonel  in  the  Re- 
volution, 56. 

X.  Y.  Z.  mission,  dissemination  of 
instructions,  426,  427. 

Zane,   Ebenezer,   lands   and    road, 

125,  414-416,  419,  420. 
Zanesville,  Ohio,  roads  to  Gnaden- 

hutten  and  the  Scioto  River,  435  ; 

to  Marietta,  436. 


EUctrotyped  and  printed  by  H.  O.  Houghton  <5r»  Co. 
Catnbridge,   Mass.,  U.  S.  A. 


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